The Raven

A Blast To The Past~

Tick tick. Tick tick.

Time was running out for Esther to finish reading it all. Her eyes flew across the screen, trying to take it all in.

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12 September 2022

2:45 P.M.

Dear Mom,

I wanted to apologize for not having written to you in a while. I just couldn't. Every time I pick up the pen and try to start writing, the memories haunt me.

I can't believe what I've found. But the proof had been just before my eyes. 

His DNA.

You must have known. That must have been why I found those papers in your car trunk the day you died.

You were going to confront him about it, weren't you?

He found out. He knew.

I keep wondering, was he the one who orchestrated your death?

He would do that too, I know now.

Even as I'm writing this down, I can see Esther watching a movie. I've been too scared to let her out of my sight, too scared to let her use even a simple vehicle for transport.

I know she's annoyed with me right now, but I can't let her go anywhere without me. Its too dangerous.

I need to find more information about him. If he found out where we were, he might kill us too.

You know mom, I keep thinking, he wouldn't do that, after all, for all his faults, he truly did love you.

But the irrefutable proof right in front of me.

I'll find out more, I promise. I won't let you down.

I'll avenge your death.

Always, Estelle"

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Just as Esther had finished reading this, the light beeped, signaling the end of the hour.

She sighed and rubbed her temples, mind overflowing with information.

"Well, I supposed I'd better read the rest at home." Said Esther, aloud.

She signaled down the waitress and ordered a coffee.

Just as she had received it, she spotted someone.

A familiar someone.

She narrowed her eyes at his head, but presently decided that he merely looked like someone she knew.

The boy turned around, and her eyes widened like saucers.

"Aiden?"

"Esther?"

Aiden's face broke into a wide grin as he stood up from his seat. "I can't believe it's you!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine surprise and joy.

" I can't believe it's you! Weren't you supposed to be in England?"

" Such love." Teased Aiden, rubbing his hand over his chest in mock sadness. 

"Just answer the question, dimwit." Deadpans Esther.

"That hurts, sweetheart. I'll have you know; I am very much not a dimwit. And I decided to move back here, actually."