The Dark Society

61

Jim and Caroline awaited Luis's return. But, they noticed the apprehension as he entered the room. He'd kept them wondering about Sabrina for weeks, so a faint smirk seemed peculiar.

"You saw her?" his mother demanded.

Luis nodded.

"I did."

He hasn't shown much emotion lately. Though, after seeing Sabrina again, feelings were unmistakable. Yet despite a renewed longing, prospects of an intimate relationship seemed uncertain.

Caroline beamed as she reviewed photos on his phone.

"She's stunning,"

Luis nodded.

"Like I remembered."

Though he radiated happiness, Sabrina surprised him. Due to this, his parents also noted changes in his demeanor.

"Something wrong?" Jim asked.

Luis recalled distinct shifts in Sabrina's personality. Characteristics Karen also exhibited during her decline. However, Sabrina's reaction was more disturbing because she seemed withdrawn and hesitant. Still, his parents' concerns were obvious.

"Everything's fine," he claimed.

His parents remained upbeat despite Sabrina's unexpected changes. Complications they hadn't anticipated or wanted.

"What are you thinking?" Luis asked.

"I always imagined you and Karen together," Caroline admitted.

Luis instinctively sulked, but knew his mother was right. Caroline believed he and Karen would work things out. However, times changed and his feelings for Sabrina were undeniable.

"That was before today, of course."

Luis smiled as Jim spoke up.

"When will you see her again?"

"She's attending a church service, so sometime after that," he explained.

"Sabrina's religious?" his father asked.

"Yeah... Wiccan."

Caroline's eyes lit up.

"I like her already."

Later that evening, his parents prepared for dinner. And though they'd invited Luis, he stayed behind. Unknown to them, when Sabrina left England, many lives had changed. Some for the worse, others for the better.

All the same, she'd captured his heart again despite the unusual behavior. On another note, his life was pulling in different directions. And no matter how hard he tried to understand, he couldn't.

However, with Karen's illness and Sabrina's secrecy, Luis felt like he was suffocating. In spite of that, Karen's recent actions revealed disturbing insights into her motives. But, Luis felt optimistic because he believed Sabrina was different.

He'd downplayed the seriousness of Karen's affliction. Though, he still felt obligated to protect her. The illness was beyond her control and required more treatment. Yet, Luis planned to follow his instincts and remain distant.