𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 /choni/

6.

It was a middle of the night when a loud knock woke me and Thomasina up. Why would anyone come here in this hour?

"What was that?" Sleepy Thomasina turned to me with confusion.

"Someone's knocking on the door." I got out of bed and quickly went to answer the door with Thomasina close behind me.
She hide behind the big door so no one could see her.

"Who's there?" My voice was shaking nervously.

"Constable Keller, Miss Blossom. We are looking for a dangerous woman." I opened the door just enough for him to see me.

"What woman? What did she do?" It was really cold outside, especially this late.

"A murderer, she ran away from Greendale. Her name's Thomasina Topaz, she was also accused of witchcraft." My heart skipped a beat at that moment, my eyes were wide open.

"There is no one with that name, I'm alone as you know." I tried to sound forceful which probably worked. He left with a goodbye and I closed the door, slowly turning to Thomasina.

"You better start talking."

***
We sat by the fireplace, which was the only source of heat and light in the room.

"Everything I told you is true, Abigail... Except for one thing." What was happening.

"When you asked me about a husband, I lied. I was married, but I didn't want it, my parents forced me to."

"Arranged marriage?" I asked in a whisper, she just nodded staying in silence for a while.

"He was abusive and against all my belief, disagreed with my rituals, with the way I was thinking... " I was too stunned to speak.

"I knew I couldn't escape, but I was sure he would kill me right the moment he opened the door. The anger and hatred in his eyes... I didn't want to die, I chose to live. I'm not a bad person, Abigail."

Her sobs filled the room and my heart was breaking apart. We were both crying that night like a little kids. She was definitely the strongest person I've ever met.

"Listen to me, Thomasina. You saved yourself, everyone would do that. And besides, I can feel your heart is pure. I know you're not a bad person, my love."
She smiled softly with tears running down her face.

"I have nowhere else to go now... " I shook my head, took her face into my hands and wiped away the tears.

"Stay here. Stay with me forever."