𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆 | ✔

16 | Home, Sweet Home

"YOU SURE YOU'RE OKAY?"

Lottie pressed the phone closer, closing her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure. I really can't come into work today."

"I don't know, girl." The voice wavered. "I really don't."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lottie bowed her head, looking at the bracelet. "It's nothing bad. Just personal."

There was a long exhale, then a pause. "The last time you skipped work, your brother was stalking you." 

"I know, Hazel, I do."

"So I'm going to ask you one more time: Are you sure everything's good?"

"Yes." Lottie nodded, keeping her tone down. "I've just got some things to attend to. I'll show up for work tomorrow, though, you'll see."

"Well," she said with a huff, "I guess I need to get back to work. See you on Wednesday."

"See you then."

After hanging up, she tossed it aside and slipped off the bracelet. For a moment, she just held it close, studying its every detail. 

It was time. So, with a nod, she stood and grabbed her jacket. 

The colored leaves blew in a breeze. Tall and thin, the grass tickled her ankles as she made way for her vehicle. Before ducking inside, however, she nudged it shut and went stiff. 

It was time, indeed. Just not for that matter. 

She rounded the tall-standing bushes. Up ahead, eerily silent, sat her neighbor's home. 

She gave a soft knock, then backed away. 

The house remained silent. 

Then she gave a firm one. "Penny!" And another. "I need to speak with you!"

Nothing. 

Lottie hugged herself, then leaned into the front window, hands to glass. Everything was in order, from her shoes, neatly placed beside the entryway, to the shined-over table in the kitchen. Each room was ill-lit; each one without life. 

She backed away. After knocking further, she peered over her shoulder. Her car was stationed in the driveway, parked and unassuming. 

For a moment, she just listened to the fall leaves. They tossed around the yard, muffled. 

In the next, though, there was something else. Something distant and hurried...

Footste-

"Charlotte, is that you?"

Lottie jumped, then stilled, hands to mouth. 

"You alright there?" The voice had lowered. "Twitchy today, are we?"

Moments passed.

Lottie faced her neighbor with a slow nod. 

Hallway out of view, Penny fully rounded her house. "You look like you just saw a ghost." She chuckled. "Well, you've always been a bit jumpy."

Lottie lowered her hands, forcing deep breaths. "Yeah, I-I guess you could say that." That was when she looked her over, noting her dirt-stained jeans and green gardening gloves. "What's that for?"

Her neighbor looked down, then back at her. "Well, Charlotte..." - she dusted off her pants, barely holding in a smile - "I may have some news."

"You do?"

Penny nodded when her gaze dropped. "And I see you've got some news, too."

"I-I do?" After following her eyes, she straightened and smiled. "I guess I do, don't I?"