The Shadow of the Simulacrum

Chapter 22: So lonely

The last thing Sarah remembered when she woke up was being in Jesse's car, on the way home. She now realized she was in her bed, still wearing the clothes from the day before. Still lying down, she reached for her phone on the nightstand. No message from her driver. She would have preferred to see a message from him, but there was nothing.

A noise from downstairs prompted her to get out of bed. Usually, the brunette would get dressed and freshen up before having breakfast, but this time, something felt different. There was no familiar smell of coffee or toasted bread. As she made her way to the stairs, she noticed that Joanna's room, across from hers, was in complete disarray. The dresser drawers were wide open, clothes scattered everywhere.

Puzzled, the teenager quickly went down the stairs to figure out what was going on. Joanna was in the middle of finishing her packing. Sarah watched her, bewildered, unsure of where she was going. Their eyes met, and her aunt approached to give her a hug, arms wide open.

— You're going to miss me so much, sweetheart, she said, holding her niece tightly in her arms.

— But I don't understand, where are you going? Did I forget that you planned a trip without me? Sarah chuckled.

— Sarah, I wanted to tell you, but you were asleep when Jesse dropped you off. Work called me to go out of town, she said, looking at her while gently stroking her hair.

— What? How long? Sarah asked, surprised, pulling away from her.

— For an indefinite period, but don't worry, you have Jesse, she said, smiling confidently.

— Don't leave! Stay, how am I supposed to manage without you? she said, frightened.

Sarah still didn't understand; this had never happened before. Her aunt could be away for a week at most, but she had never left her alone without giving a definite return date. A car horn honking outside interrupted them.

— That's my taxi! Joanna said, picking up her suitcases. Are you going to help me? she asked in a playful tone.

— Stop it right now! This is a joke, right? Sarah said, crossing her arms and raising her eyebrows, waiting for an answer.

— Sarah, stop arguing and come help me!

— No! You're abandoning me, and you want me to help you do it?!

— Sarah, you need to understand that this is for my job...

— I don't believe you, she said, staring her down.

The young brunette glared at her aunt, tears welling up in her eyes. She grabbed her school bag, which was on the floor next to the door, leaving Joanna to handle her own luggage. Outside, she passed the taxi driver who was getting out of the car to help her aunt. Tears streamed down Sarah's cheeks; she couldn't believe what had just happened.

How could she leave her alone like this? Joanna seemed so happy, not showing a shred of empathy. As the sadness welled up inside her, Sarah couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears. She tried calling her best friend, but there was no answer. Desperate, Sarah decided to go directly to her house.

After ringing the doorbell twice, Erica opened the door, still in her pajamas, her hair tousled. Sarah, with tear-stained eyes and a runny nose, walked in without a word, leaving Erica worried about her state.

— What happened? asked Erica, looking alarmed.

— Jo... Jo... Joanna left! Sarah sobbed, crying even harder.

— What do you mean? Tell me! Erica said, gently rubbing her back as she led her toward the dining room.

Sarah caught her breath, taking deep breaths before continuing.