FAR FROM ERIS • FreenBecky •

FOURTEEN

The car ride to the airport was quite pleasant. Nam and Becky spent the entire way talking about random topics. They were the kind of people who could strike up a conversation with a rock. However, Freen looked out the window, trying to control the unease generated by the idea of ​​having to return alone with Rebecca for the forty-five-minute journey back.

They parked the car in the departure area and unloaded Nam's suitcases. Becky and she bid farewell cordially, with the promise of seeing each other again when Nam returned, while Freen walked towards the glass door of the terminal to say goodbye to her friend with a little more privacy.

-Thank you so much for coming, Nam. It meant a lot to me, you have no idea,- Freen said, a hint of emotion in her eyes. She wasn't good at crying either.

-You don't have to thank me for coming to see you, silly. To tell you the truth, I have a couple of weeks off next month, and maybe I'll come because interesting things happen here,- Nam said, looking over Freen's shoulder to locate Becky, who was checking her phone leaning against her car. -And by interesting things, you know what I mean,- she raised her eyebrows.

-Nam, don't start again...-

-Freen, don't be stubborn and listen to me. I'm not joking or trying to annoy you for a change. I promise you this time I sincerely don't think it's a bad idea for you to get to know Becky.-

-Well, I already know her.-

-I mean really get to know her, Freen, and let her get to know you. You know I'm a bit of a witch, and there's like a strange vibe in the air.-

-A strange vibe. Right, sure. You should remove the batteries from what you have in your suitcase before storing it.-

-What I should have done is left it with you in your apartment,- she laughed, -although who knows, maybe after tonight, you won't need it anymore.-

-Nam...You're impossible.-

-No, dear, you're impossible. But I love you very much. And I have to go. Two undeniable truths.- Freen laughed. -Come on, Freen, let's go,- she gently tapped her arm, -You've got your whole life ahead of you.-

And then Freen hugged her. It wasn't an effusive hug or with any force. But Nam opened her eyes wide, returning the hug cautiously. Could it be that Freen was returning from wherever she was lost?

-I love you,- Freen said, releasing her arms. Nam smiled widely, nodded, and walked away with her luggage towards security, while Freen bid her farewell from afar. When she lost sight of her, she heard a voice very close to her ear, making her jump.

-Do you have plans for tonight?- asked Becky.

-No, actually, I don't. Are we going to have dinner with Patty tonight?-

-No, no, in fact, that's what I was going to tell you. Patty will be out of town for a few days and asked me to apologize, but we'll have to postpone dinner.-

-Oh, sure, no problem,- Freen replied, feeling something like disappointment.
-Would you like to go somewhere with me?- Becky suddenly asked, her face indicating that she was prepared for another refusal. In Freen's head, Nam's voice resonated: -Come on, Freen, let's go. You've got your whole life ahead of you.-

-Okay. Yes, sure,- Freen said, taking a deep breath.

-Yes?- Becky seemed surprised.

-Yes, let's go,- Freen smiled broadly, with her mouth, her eyes, and her whole body. And Becky felt like a herd of elephants was dancing in her chest. God, she was in trouble.

*