Re-Vamp

Chapter 13: Farewell.

Lola dragged her last suitcase to the entrance, casting one final glance around the living room to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything. It was the day of her departure for the city, and although she was excited for the new challenge that awaited, she couldn't help but feel a lump in her throat at leaving her lifelong home behind.

Shaking her head to dispel the melancholy, she stepped outside and took the path leading to the town center. She still had time for one last stop before leaving.

The bell tinkled merrily as she pushed open the door of the corner store. Behind the counter, kind Mrs. Juana looked up and gave her a warm smile.

"Lola, dear! I thought you'd already left," she greeted in her usual affable tone.

The young officer returned the smile and approached the counter, leaning her elbows on the worn wooden surface.

"I was missing one last supply purchase for the road, Juanita. And of course, I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to you," she replied affectionately.

The older woman chuckled and shook her head.

"Aye, darling, you'll make me cry. But you're right, this shop won't be the same without you helping here every week."

As Mrs. Juana prepared a small package of snacks for the journey, they fell into a pleasant chat, reminiscing about old times and joking like old friends. Finally, Lola paid and took the package, ready to depart.

"Well, I think that's everything for now. Best get a move on if I want to reach the city before nightfall," she announced with a sad smile.

Mrs. Juana nodded and came around the counter to envelop her in a warm hug.

"Take care of yourself, dear. And don't forget to come visit us now and then, eh? This town will get awfully boring without you."

Lola laughed and kissed the wrinkled cheek.

"I promise. Although I may want to forget last night..." she joked with a wink.

The old woman blinked, confused.

"Last night? What happened last night, dear?"

Lola shrugged mysteriously.

"Oh, nothing really. Just thought I saw the...chupacabras prowling around my house," she let out a laugh at her own joke.

However, Mrs. Juana's expression suddenly turned grave.

"The chupacabras...Aye, Lola, you don't want to say that in jest. The neighbor swears he saw something last night," she muttered, shuddering.

The young officer blinked, feeling a chill run down her spine as she recalled the terrifying events of the previous night. The gaze and fangs of that creature came back to her with chilling clarity.

"I-I...well, it was probably just some vagrant or junkie who broke into my place," she stammered, trying to downplay it. "You know how rumors spread in small towns."

But Mrs. Juana shook her head, her expression somber. She tried to say something but seemed to think better of it a moment later. Finally, she sighed and forced a reassuring smile.

"Well, no need to worry about that now, dear. You're about to start a whole new life in the city, aren't you? Forget this old town's silly legends."

She placed a wrinkled hand on Lola's arm and looked her in the eye.

"But be careful out there, alright? You never know what kind of monsters lurk in the dark. Sometimes humans are the worst."

With one last embrace, she finally bid her farewell. Lola exited the store, her mind reeling.