Burning Desire

Chapter 7

On November 18, Friday, Isabelle anticipated the return of Emma and her aunt Yvonne. The absence of Emma left Isabelle feeling unsettled; she found herself longing for her friend's presence throughout the entire week. Thoughts of Emma and Yvonne occupied her mind, their bond a constant source of comfort and companionship. As the day progressed, Isabelle eagerly awaited their return, yearning for the familiarity and warmth of their company once more.

Despite her longing to see Emma and Yvonne, Isabelle was mindful of their fatigue upon returning. Understanding the toll of their journey and the emotional strain they endured, especially Yvonne,

At 5 pm, Isabelle made her way home, stopping by the cafe near her apartment. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her as she ordered her favorite drink. With her coffee in hand, she returned to her apartment, finding solace in the comforting routine of sipping iced coffee while attending to her tasks. The gentle hum of the city outside provided a soothing backdrop to her quiet evening, allowing her to immerse herself fully in her work while savoring the simple pleasures of the moment.

Monday, November 21 arrived swiftly, and Isabelle found herself back at school, joining the throng of students making their way to class. As she settled into her seat, she noticed Emma's absence, but the class had yet to begin.

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Emma's fatigued figure as she entered the room. With a warm smile, she greeted Isabelle, her eyes betraying traces of exhaustion.

"Hey, Isabelle," Emma greeted, her voice gentle despite the weariness evident in her demeanor.

"Hello, Emma. How are you?" Isabelle responded, returning her friend's smile with genuine warmth, eager to catch up after the weekend.

"I'm good, Isabelle, thank you. Let's hang out at your apartment later if it's okay," Emma suggested, and Isabelle nodded eagerly, wanting to bring some cheer to her best friend's weary spirit.

After school, they made their way to Isabelle's apartment, the familiar surroundings offering a sense of comfort and solace.

"So, how is your auntie? You know, it must be really hard," Isabelle inquired, her tone gentle and empathetic.

"Yeah, she's been keeping herself busy with work, trying to distract herself," Emma replied somberly, her thoughts lingering on her aunt's struggle to cope with their recent loss.

"I met my dad and mom also. I missed them," Emma shared, a smile brightening her face as she reminisced about their reunion and the warmth of family.

"That's nice, Emma," Isabelle replied, returning her friend's smile with warmth and understanding, grateful for the moments of joy amidst the challenges they faced.

As Emma departed, Isabelle found herself alone again, lost in her thoughts. Lying in bed with nothing but the quiet of the night, she felt the weight of solitude settle upon her. Longing for companionship, she pondered life's complexities, seeking solace in the gentle rhythm of her own heartbeat.

...

On November 25th, Saturday, Isabelle found herself alone once more. Awakening at 7 am to a snowy morning, she felt compelled to take a walk and admire the beauty of the winter weather.

As she strolled, she noticed the boy from before across the street, engaged in conversation with someone. Despite his presence, she pressed on, unwilling to let his existence disrupt her solitude.

Suddenly, she heard his voice again.

"Hello."

Turning abruptly, Isabelle faced him, her frustration evident.