The Dark Society

44

Luis sat atop a hill along the linear hiking trail in Hyde Park as nightfall approached. The day's tensions weighed on him, so he sought diversion by admiring the sunset while anxiously waiting for Sabrina's call.

He had come to accept his fate, but hoped this twilight didn't signal the end of their possible future together. Nevertheless, he had struggled with Sabrina's absence long enough and was determined to see her again.

"Hey, stranger," she greeted when she finally called.

Luis's face lit up as the last light faded from the horizon.

"I needed to hear your voice."

"Likewise."

The scenic backdrop seemed perfect for meaningful conversation, and Sabrina sounded delighted to hear from him again.

"Why didn't you call sooner?" she asked.

He checked the time.

"I assumed you were still in school."

"I'm not, but I'll be home soon."

Meanwhile, Tim and Julia spent the evening preparing for another late-season storm. Yet, when Sabrina arrived home, she appeared thankfully elated and focused.

"She's smiling--that's a plus," Julia observed while pulling blankets from the closet.

"Close the door already!" Tim bellowed as his daughter entered. "We're not heating the outdoors!"

Sabrina laughed and stepped inside.

"I can only move so fast, Dad."

"Learn to move faster," he joked. "Mom left you something to eat if you're hungry."

Sabrina's eyes brightened as she greeted her parents. But, when she moved to hug her mother, Julia cringed and nestled deeper under her blanket.

"Don't do that!" she cried. "Not until you've warmed up!"

Walking into the kitchen, Sabrina smirked.

"It's not that cold, you big baby."

Julia scowled as Sabrina rummaged through shelves and retrieved dishes.

"Is this what I think it is?" Sabrina asked, examining her plate.

Her father glared playfully.

"It's free, so don't ask questions."

She settled at the table and savored a meal of baked chicken and marinated sweet corn, complemented by her mother's homemade cherry pie.

"Were you planning to stay quiet all night?" her mother asked.

Sabrina grinned but looked away.

"I registered for classes, spoke with a professor, and ran into an old friend."

Julia could usually read Sabrina's thoughts, but tonight found it more challenging. Besides, a delicate situation had arisen that needed addressing.

"Jennifer called."

Sabrina gripped her locket and gazed out the window.

"I figured she would."

It had been months since they'd seen each other, and the relationship felt strained. Though, Julia remained sympathetic to the situation.

"I hope everything's okay," Tim said gently.

Sabrina cleared the table, hoping to change the subject.

"Do you remember Michelle Dyson?"

Julia thought for a moment.

"Don and Melinda's daughter?"

"Yeah."

Her mother stood up.

"What about her?"

"I bumped into her this morning," Sabrina explained. "She's the old friend I mentioned."

"That's a name I haven't heard in ages," Tim interjected, noting Julia's expression.

Sabrina moved toward the stairs.

"Are you heading to bed?" her mother asked.

She giggled.

"No, I need to make a phone call."

Tim grinned.

"Luis, I assume?"

"Yeah."