The Dark Society

65

Jennifer had endured countless sleepless nights alone, crying and distressed. So, desperate to escape her toxic relationship with Samantha, she turned to Julia for help. Fortunately, Julia was receptive and welcomed her 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--a suggestion Jennifer gladly 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 would be embarrassing."

Jennifer relaxed slightly.

"How can I help?" Julia pressed.

Talking about Samantha always felt awkward, but Jennifer was about to reveal a disturbing truth that would capture Julia's full attention.

"I had good intentions," she admitted. "But I let my emotions control my actions, never realizing how deep my anger and resentment ran."

"I'm not following."

"It's hard to explain," Jennifer continued, "but someone is coming to Cottonwood Falls."

Julia groaned.

"Someone?"

Jennifer tensed.

"Someone dangerous," she clarified. "She has ulterior motives."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes," Jennifer explained. "She's searching for her forgotten ancestry, but all she remembers is Saint Ann's Mosque."

"In San Francisco?" Julia asked.

"You've heard of it?"

Julia was suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of memories.

"What's her name?" she asked, squinting into the distance.

"Samantha--Samantha Collins."

Julia's face went pale.

"Are you all right?" Jennifer asked with concern.

"Yes, everything's fine," Julia replied quickly, backing toward the doorway. "I have something to take care of, so we'll talk later."

The possibility had always existed, but the reality had seemed impossible. Nevertheless, Julia didn't know what to feel, but what she had feared most was happening. Thus, she retreated to a private chamber in the basement: the altar room.

Julia had often considered the likelihood of Samantha's return, but as she drew a single tarot card and revealed the upright Devil, everything became clear. Jennifer knew the truth, and Samantha was alive.