Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 13

A BOOK I RECOMMEND:

I recommend reading TARA by summerymango! It's super interesting and you will not regret giving it your time!
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The crackling of the fireplace filled the cozy room, casting dancing shadows across the worn wooden floor. The old man, his weathered face illuminated by the flickering flames, stole a glance at Emily before walking up to her.

"Feeling warm enough?" His voice, husky yet gentle, broke the quiet.

Emily, shivering despite the blanket wrapped around her, met his gaze and nodded, her breath forming misty clouds in the air. The flames painted her features in hues of amber and gold as she sat close to the hearth.

"Alright then," he murmured, closing the lid of the first aid box nearby. "How are your wounds? Did Ma's remedies do the trick?"

She carefully lifted her right hand, peeking at the bandaged fingers. "The bleeding's stopped, Sir," she replied softly.

"It's Jay," he gently reminded her as he sought to correct her for the umpteenth time since she arrived almost frozen.

"Sorry, Jay," she apologized.

The old woman, wearing a big nightgown, designed with tiny pink petals almost like polka dots walked into the room carefully as she tried to balance a steaming tray of soup.

"Dear, have some soup," she offered, extending the tray towards Emily.

"Thank you, Ma," Emily murmured, her fingers trembling slightly as she carefully accepted the tray but accidentally spilled some of its contents on the floor. She sat and began to sip from the bowl with the spoon she was offered.

"Careful now, it's piping hot," Ma cautioned, her eyes twinkling with concern.

In the corner, Jay stood, hands tucked into the pockets of his faded jeans, silently observing the women before him.

"Emily," he interrupted after a moment, breaking the silence.

"Sir!... Jay, sorry," she corrected herself, meeting his gaze with a mix of deference and uncertainty.

"You mentioned you were attacked by some bad boys" he prodded gently.

Emily nodded, remembering that she had told them a lie.

"Would you prefer I call the police to track them? They hurt you badly," he offered. "My friend Jim is a senior police officer, so I'm sure he can help."

"It's fine, sir. Just a scratch," she deflected. "I'll soon be fine."

Ma, her eyes keen with intuition, added, "But dear, the stab wound seemed pretty bad,"

"It was probably just a small object like a compass or fork," Emily shrugged, attempting to mask the pain within her. How would she explain that she ran away from her husband's house in this state?

"Very well," Jay relented, his arms folding across his chest as he regarded her with concern.

"Any family or friends in Cali we could contact?" Ma inquired gently, her voice a soft melody in the dimly lit room.

Emily's silence lingered. "No one," she finally confessed, her gaze dropping to the almost empty bowl of soup in her hands.

A heavy sigh escaped Jay's lips. "This will be a challenge," he murmured. "Where are you from?"

"I...I have no idea," Emily admitted whispering.

"Are you sure she hasn't lost her memory, Ma?" Jay asked, looking at his wife.