Heaven On Fire

Thirty Four

WE STOPPED AT ELMER JOHNSON PARK, I couldn't shake the feeling of Benjamin's eyes on us. Saoirse giggled happily in her stroller, oblivious to the tension in the air. The midday sun cast dappled shadows through the trees.

David walked beside me, his easy stride matching my own. "It's a beautiful day," he remarked, glancing his eyes around.

I forced a smile, but my mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of Benjamin and the tension that hung between us.

"Yeah, it is," I replied absently, darting nervously around the park.

David's brow furrowed with concern as he noticed my distraction. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to divulge.

"I just can't shake the feeling that we're being watched," I admitted.

His expression softened with understanding. "You're not alone," he reassured me, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder in a comforting gesture. "But remember, we're here together. Nothing else matters."

I took a deep breath, drawing strength from his words. "You're right," I said, forcing myself to relax. "Let's enjoy this moment."

As we continued our leisurely stroll, the tension began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm. Saoirse's laughter filled the air.

But suddenly, I felt a chill run down my spine, as if someone were watching us from afar. I looked over my shoulder and froze as I spotted Benjamin standing at the edge of the park, his eyes fixed on us with intensity.

David also looked and stiffened beside me. "Is that...?" he began, but I cut him off with a sharp nod.

"Yeah," I replied, my voice barely a whisper. "It's Benjamin."

We stopped in our tracks, unsure of what to do next. Still, benjamin made no move to approach us.

David squeezed my shoulder in a silent show of support. "We don't have to engage with him if you don't want to," he said quietly, his voice filled with understanding.

*****

After some time, we decided to go on and continue our way to the airport.

The bustling airport terminal buzzed with activity as we made our way through the crowd, the hum of conversation and the sound of rolling luggage could be heard everywhere.

David looked at me. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice cutting through the din of the crowd.

I nodded, pretending a smile despite the knot of anxiety that twisted in my stomach. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, though my voice wavered slightly.

As we approached the departure gate, I scanned the crowd anxiously, half-expecting to see Benjamin lurking in the shadows. But there was no sign of him, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief at his absence.

David must have noticed my unease, for he squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Don't worry," he said softly. "We're almost there."

I nodded, drawing strength from his words as we joined the line to board the plane.

The boarding process was a blur of activity as we made our way onto the plane, finding our seats amidst the pacific of passengers.

It didn't take too long before the plane taxied down the runway and lifted off into the sky, leaving Detroit behind us.

*****

My eyes fluttered open, the soft hum of the plane's engines filling my ears as I slowly emerged from the haze of sleep. Blinking blearily, I glanced around the cabin, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings.