The Refuge

Chapter 29

No sharper sting than your hope being shattered.  — Unknown          

                 

The loud banging on the door awakened the residents of the Jaramillo house. 

Loud footsteps bounced against the walls as everyone raced out from their various rooms. They all collided at the end of the stairs. 

Who could that be? The family members asked with their eyes. 

With trepidation surging through them, they stalked towards the door that shook from its hinges with the continuous knocking. The group huddled together as Timothy took his place in front of the door.

Paloma watched her father's hand tremble as he placed it on the doorknob. She placed a hand on her chest and whispered words of prayer. 

Time seemed to stop as Timothy pulled the door open. Surprise coursed through everyone as they faced their unexpected visitor. 

A young man decked in black suspenders and a light blue shirt stared back at them. A backpack as black as his suspenders hung from his shoulder. His cyan eyes darted to the face of each family member. 

"Good morning." He gave a curt nod.

"Morning; how can we help you?" Timothy asked in a cold voice. 

"One minute." The young man opened his backpack and produced a slim white envelope. "This is for you." He stretched it out to Timothy. 

Timothy collected it. "Thank you." 

"Good day." The man gave another nod, turned on his heels, and disappeared down the road. 

Timothy pushed the door close and turned around. "Let's head to the sitting room."

The group trudged to the sitting room and filled the empty spaces. Unease hung over the room as everyone sat with bated breaths. Paloma's eyes bore into the envelope as she struggled to figure out its contents. 

"Open it, Tim," Elena broke the silence. "I can't tolerate the suspense."

"Yeah," he breathed out. 

Paloma subconsciously leaned forward as he broke the seal. Her eyes followed his every move until a white paper folded to precision slipped out. 

Paloma's heartbeat increased as he opened it and his eyes flew over the words. Her nervousness increased as his face morphed into a scowl. 

He put down the paper and looked up with dark eyes. "We have been summoned to the government house."

Gasps filled the room and their fright heightened. 

"Why?" Elena rasped out with wide eyes. 

"What do they want?" Iris asked. 

"What if they throw us in jail?" Alexa questioned with a trembling voice. 

Elena's face turned pale and she clutched her chest. "I hope that's not it." 

Panic erupted within Paloma. Her stomach squeezed as dread pricked at her. 

"Let's not think so negatively!" Timothy said in a calm voice. "They may want to discuss some things with us." 

Paloma nodded vigorously but her heart remained unconvinced. "When is the meeting?" 

"In two hours."

"That means we only have an hour to prepare," Iris rushed out. "That's such a short time."

"Yes! So I guess we should start now."