SHADOWS

14. MAROON

September 11, Monday.

Two days had slipped by without Ilena seeing Dean, and the weekend meandered without any prior arrangements for their shared time. Nestled within the confines of her home, Ilena spent her weekends in the world of movies, a temporary escape from the unspoken intricacies of her connection with Dean. Meanwhile, Dean, driven by a sense of purpose, devoted his weekend to deciphering the perplexing surge in the animal attacks in their town.

The genesis of their relationship, ignited by a spontaneous kiss within the walls of Kaia's house, lingered in the air, an unarticulated discourse resonating between them. As time elapsed, Ilena wrestled with a growing compulsion to rendezvous with Dean, yearning for a conversation that would cast light upon the nebulous contours of their connection, leaving her contemplative amidst the ebb and flow of the passing days.

Before bidding adieu to Kaia's abode last Saturday morning, Dean and Ilena went to search for Acey, scouring every nook and cranny of Kaia's home. Their quest, however, proved fruitless as Acey eluded their discovery, prompting them to speculate that she probably might have already gone home.

Dean and Ilena had tried waking up Kaia, thinking it would be respectful if they said their farewells first before they left. But Kaia was sleeping soundly, obviously drunk, and was not responding to any of their efforts. Makoy and Jharrett, meanwhile, stayed cozy in the guest room.

When Kaia roused from inebriation, she rallied her friends to action. With urgency in her voice, she had informed Makoy and Jharrett that swift tidying was imperative, as her parents were poised to return home by evening. The three of them hastily undertook the task of restoring order to the residence, creating a flurry of activity in the repercussions of a night filled with celebration.

Descending the stairs of her home, Ilena's bag draped casually over her shoulder, she ventured a call into the stillness, "Aunt Hillary?" The echoe of her voice dissipated without a response. Crossing the entry into the kitchen, her gaze fell upon a note affixed to the refrigerator. The written words conveyed her Aunt Hillary's absence, detailing her engagement in group work that demanded immediate attention, thereby preempting the preparation of breakfast for Ilena.

Undeterred by the unattended kitchen, Ilena found herself surprisingly untroubled by hunger. Instead, an undercurrent of eager anticipation coursed through her, a palpable thrill infusing the day with an aura of excitement. Because she knew she would be seeing Dean again-a prospect that animated her spirit and set the tone for the day ahead.

Awaiting Dean's text signaling his arrival, Ilena found herself drawn to the glow of the television. Its screen flickered to life, illuminating her surroundings with the latest news report. The ominous tone of the news anchor conveyed a grim reality - 27 animal attacks had transpired in the past week, claiming three lives while others clung to the fragile thread of recovery in hospital beds, grappling with loss of blood and injuries.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Ilena's mind, a somber contrast to the routine of her morning. Recollections of Dean's cautionary words echoed in her thoughts, a stark reminder of the necessity for heightened vigilance in a town gripped by an unsettling threat. As the television continued its litany of distressing events, Ilena couldn't shake the feeling that the tranquil facade of their community was eroding, replaced by an atmosphere charged with uncertainty and danger.

The doorbell resonated through the air... and a surge of anticipation coursed through Ilena, momentarily eclipsing the troubles that had lingered in her thoughts. Hastening to the door, she swung it open with a hopeful smile, ready to be greeted by the familiar sight of Dean's green eyes. However, an unexpected pair of deep, dark brown eyes met hers, mirroring her own gaze in a familiar resemblance.