Whispers Of The Shadows-The UNKNOWN

The Shadow Left Behind

Zahra stood by the large bay window, her fingers resting on the cold glass as her eyes traced the horizon. The garden outside bloomed with vibrant flowers, their colors rich against the fading afternoon light, but the beauty seemed distant unreachable, like a dream long forgotten. Inside, the air felt heavy, as though the very walls of the mansion held their breath, waiting for something that would never come.

Victor’s absence clung to her like a second skin. It was strange how the silence he left behind was louder than anything Gabriel could ever say. She closed her eyes, trying to shake the thought, but it was useless. His presence was still woven into her memories, replaying moments that only deepened the emptiness she now felt.

A soft laugh echoed in her mind, pulling her back to a night she wished she could forget sitting by the beach with Victor, the waves crashing gently in the background, their future spread out before them like an endless horizon. He had been so sure back then. So confident. She had believed every word.

Zahra's eyes fluttered open, the memory slipping away as quickly as it had come. But the shadow remained, lingering just behind her thoughts, no matter how hard she tried to push it aside. She glanced down at her hand, at the ring Gabriel had placed there a cold reminder that her life had taken a different turn. Yet even now, standing in the life she had chosen, it was Victor’s shadow that refused to leave her.

She missed him, his presence, the way he always knew what to say, those long, comforting talks they used to share. The world around her now felt too silent, too suffocating. The mansion, despite its grandeur, felt like a cage. No one was here for her. No warm smile to greet her, no familiar voice to break the oppressive quiet. She was utterly alone.

With a heavy heart, Zahra slowly walked toward the bed and lay down, hoping that sleep would offer her an escape from the emptiness. But her body felt restless, and her eyes, though heavy with exhaustion, betrayed her. Sleep was elusive, slipping away the moment she reached for it. Instead, she stared up at the ceiling, the stillness pressing down on her chest like a weight, reminding her that this silence was her new reality.

The sound of suitcases being dragged across the floor echoed through the small house. Gabriel stood frozen in the hallway, watching as his mother hurriedly packed the last of her things. His heart pounded in his chest, fear gripping him like a vice.

"We need to go. You’re old enough now, Gabriel. You can take care of yourself," his mother’s voice was sharp, a forced calm masking the urgency behind her words.

Gabriel’s small hands trembled as he reached for her arm. "Mom… don’t leave me. Please, I can’t stay here. I’m scared. Dad… he’ll hurt me if you go," his voice broke, desperation spilling out with each word.

His mother knelt down, her eyes softening for a brief moment as she cupped his face. "Baby, I’ll come back soon. I promise. When I do, I’ll take you with me to a beautiful place, somewhere far from all this."

"Mom, I don’t care about beautiful places," Gabriel cried, his voice cracking. "I just want to be with you. Please, take me with you."

Her expression hardened again, pulling her hands away as she stood up abruptly. "Stop it, Gabriel. I’ve said enough. You’re staying here, and that’s final. My car is outside. I’m leaving."

Gabriel felt his world crumbling. "Mom... please, don’t go. Don’t leave me alone!" His voice grew louder, more frantic, as she walked toward the door.

Without another word, she stepped out, leaving him standing there. The sound of the door slamming shut echoed in his mind, louder than the revving engine of the car.

"MOM! MOM!!" Gabriel screamed, bolting after her. His legs pumped furiously as he chased the car down the street, his breath coming in short gasps. He thought if he could just catch up, just touch the car, maybe she would stop. Maybe she would turn around.