Jennifer endured countless sleepless nights alone, crying and distressed. So, desperate to escape a toxic relationship with Samantha, she turned to Julia. Who appeared receptive and welcomed Jennifer with a warm smile.
"Hey, stranger."
"I was hoping we could talk," Jennifer said.
"That's why you came, isn't it?"
The morning was pleasant, so Julia suggested they talk outdoors. An invitation Jennifer accepted.
"What's this about?" Julia asked.
"I'm going back to San Francisco."
"A bit soon, isn't it?" Julia questioned. "I thought you were staying through the summer. What changed?"
Jennifer hesitated.
"I have my reasons," she admitted, her eyes drifting to Julia's wrist.
"I knew something was different."
Jennifer's attention snapped back to Julia's face.
"How could you tell?"
Julia centered herself before responding.
"If you were any more obvious, it'd be embarrassing."
Jennifer relaxed.
"How can I help?" Julia pressed.
Talking about Samantha always felt awkward. Yet, Jennifer would reveal a disturbing truth that captured Julia's full attention.
"I had good intentions, but I let my emotions control my actions. Never before realizing how deep my anger and resentment ran."
"I'm not following." Julia declared.
"It's hard to explain," Jennifer continued, "but someone is coming to Cottonwood Falls."
Julia groaned.
"Someone?"
Jennifer tensed.
"Someone dangerous, with ulterior motives."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes," Jennifer explained. "She's searching for a forgotten ancestry, but all she remembers is Saint Ann's Mosque."
"In San Francisco?" Julia asked.
"You've heard of it?"
Julia seemed overwhelmed by a flood of memories.
"What's her name?"
"Samantha--Samantha Collins."
Julia's face went pale.
"Are you all right?" Jennifer asked with concern.
"Yes, everything's fine," Julia replied, backing toward the doorway. "I have something to take care of, so we'll talk later."
The possibility always existed, but the reality seemed impossible. Still, Julia didn't know what to feel, but what she feared most was happening. Thus, she retreated to a private chamber in the basement: the altar room. More and more, Julia considered the likelihood of Samantha's return. But, drawing a single tarot card, everything became clear. Jennifer knew the truth, and Samantha was alive.
YOU ARE READING
The Dark Society
Misterio / SuspensoA powerful family of occultists unexpectedly disappear and for the next twenty years they live within society like normal people. However, as the eldest daughter reaches her 18th birthday the curse of a forgotten bloodline returns, along with the me...
