𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 (EDITING)

𝟎𝟔

emerson

Florence parked the car, the engine's hum fading into silence as she opened the door. However, I hesitated, my hand gripping the seatbelt, uncertain whether I should step out. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the invitation into Florence's home. But when you really think about it, it's a bit jarring. I trust her wholeheartedly, yet the proximity of her house to the orphanage unsettles me. I'm not afraid of her—far from it. What terrifies me is the thought that if I step out of this car right now, Mr. Harrison might be lurking nearby, waiting for me. The mere contemplation makes my heart race, and I feel a wave of dizziness wash over me. Passing out suddenly seems like a very plausible scenario.

I stepped out of the car, my gaze scanning the surroundings cautiously. "Don't worry... The police have already taken control... of everything," Florence reassured me. Her words were meant to comfort, but I couldn't shake off the lingering unease. I hadn't spoken to her yet—I didn't trust my voice just yet.

Silently, we walked into her house. As I crossed the threshold, an unexpected feeling enveloped me. It was a sensation I hadn't experienced in a long time—comfort, warmth, a sense of belonging. The place felt oddly familiar, almost like home. I found myself pausing by the door, feeling a bit awkward, unsure of what to do or say.

Florence turned to me, her eyes searching mine. "You okay?" she asked, breaking the silence. I nodded mutely, unable to articulate the mix of emotions that surged within me. Sometimes, words seemed insufficient to convey the depth of what I felt. Yet, in that moment, her concern was enough to provide a semblance of solace.

"I have to be up early, so we should get to sleep," Florence mentioned, breaking the quietude that enveloped the room. "You can use the guest room for now... upstairs, second door to your left," she directed, her words practical and considerate.

"Okay," I murmured in response. Her surprise at my compliance briefly drew a chuckle from me, but it quickly dissipated as the gravity of the situation settled in. Watching her turn and walk away, I lingered for a moment, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of her house. Eventually, I followed her instructions, finding the guest room she'd mentioned.

Opening the door revealed a simple yet inviting space. Without a second thought, I made my way to the bed. It was the first semblance of comfort I'd experienced in what felt like an eternity. Collapsing onto the soft mattress, I let out a long breath, feeling the fatigue wash over me.

As I lay there, staring up at the unadorned white ceiling, a sense of serenity crept over me. The quietness of the room enveloped me, and slowly, almost involuntarily, my heavy eyelids succumbed to the weight of exhaustion. With each steady breath, I drifted into a deep, much-needed slumber.

florence

As the night wore on, sleep eluded me. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one clamoring for attention. It felt like a never-ending race to keep up with my own turbulent emotions. Tears streamed down my cheeks, drenching my pillow in their wake. The strangest part was that I couldn't quite decipher the reason behind this overwhelming flood of tears.

Seeking solace, I decided to get a glass of water downstairs. Switching on the lights, I was startled by a sudden voice. "Never ever scare me like that... ever again!" The words escaped my lips before I could control my reaction. My hand instinctively pressed against my chest, trying to calm the rapid beats of my heart.