Clandestine

Shadow

I heard the door slam, and my eyes immediately opened. Like an adrenaline rush, I quickly stood up on the bed when I heard something outside; it was like a commotion.

"Isabell, listen to me!" It was Dad.

"Oh, shut the hell up, Fred. I thought we'd talked about this shit!" I realized they were at it again. I sighed.

I never once dug up what it was all about. But it's been going on for weeks now. They were always quarreling. I took my phone out and checked it. Someone messaged me, as expected. I smiled; it actually made me smile.

"Oh, so you went on that mission without telling me?! I am your wife, did you forget that?!"

I never once knew what they were up to. It's been months actually since I found out they have another job than being in a messy world of science, and one being in politics. Which I really didn't understand; my mom always brushed me off if I asked about it.

I clicked his message that made me smile. It was my boyfriend, Archie. He's the sweetest kind, gentleman, and quite cheesy.

"I can't believe this! You've fallen into your own trap! This deal is going to be the end of our lives!"

It seems like the other wall was going to break because of my mom's loud shriek. I am now annoyed; haven't they realized that I am inside my room? And it's just six in the morning for Pete's sake! They're waking up the whole neighborhood.

Anyways, I started my morning routine still not minding their business. I have been invisible ever since they started their new business, I guess. It really didn't affect me. I hopped in the shower and took my time, letting the cold water etch on my skin. Hearing their words, I brushed it off though I felt the tear starting to fall.

This is what I grew up to and I thought I was okay with it, that it's normal but it isn't. If only I knew what I would come to in this world, I wish I wasn't even born.

10 years later

I awaken to a loud cry—it's Aiah. Instinctively, I reach for her, cradling my little girl in my arms.

"Sshh, mommy's here," I whisper softly, rocking her gently until her cries settle into the rhythm of sleep.

As she drifts back into slumber, I lay her gently into the crib and begin to shut my eyes—until a knock echoes through the silence. The dim light casts long shadows in the corners of the room.

"Alice?" a voice calls softly.

I draw in a slow breath and get up, carefully placing the blanket over Aiah. I tiptoe to the door and open it slightly.

Emily stands outside, her expression tense, soaked in worry. I step out, quickly guiding her into the living room.

"Is Aiah asleep?" she whispers. I nod silently, but my heart starts racing. Her eyes are red and swollen, hands trembling.

"What happened?" I ask, trying to keep calm.

"Alice..." her voice cracks. She swallows hard, lips trembling as she forces the words out. "T-they're d-dead."

One tear falls, then another. Her hands cover her mouth to muffle her sobs.

I freeze.

The room feels like it's spinning, yet everything is still. My ears ring, and all I can hear is the deafening sound of my heartbeat. My knees feel weak, but I don't fall. I just stand there, trying to breathe.