The Missing Link

025. Size 38

The journey back to their flat on Liberty Street felt endless, but at last, they arrived. Standing by the door to their shared common room was Mrs. Nuñez, her eyes sparkling with relief as a warm grin spread across her face.

“I was worried about you two. I’m so glad everything turned out fine,” she said, opening the door to welcome them in. Each of them respectfully took her hand and touched it to their foreheads in turn.

“Sorry, Auntie. We’re heading straight to the city—we’ve got a funeral to attend,” Zane explained hurriedly, already heading upstairs with Raine following close behind. Eteri stayed behind, exchanging a glance with Mrs. Nuñez as they watched the pair ascend. “Another funeral this week?” she murmured in a concerned tone.

“Where exactly did those two go?” Mrs. Nuñez asked, her gaze shifting toward Eteri.

“Uh... to the province, Mrs. Nuñez. Probably to visit a friend,” Eteri replied, her tone casual.

“A friend?” Mrs. Nuñez repeated, her amazement evident. “Finally, those two are making new connections.”

Eteri offered a polite smile. “They’re good ones,” she said, nodding reassuringly.

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Did you and your friends have a nice time staying here last night?” Mrs. Nuñez asked.

“They… did,” Eteri replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I might have gotten carried away with work... again,” she admitted, scratching her head awkwardly.

“You’re just like Raine,” Mrs. Nuñez said with a knowing grin.

Eteri managed a faint smile and nodded. “About the payment—here it is,” she said, producing a pink envelope and handing it to the landlady.

“Oh, dear, you could’ve let the night be free for you. It was just one night, after all,” Mrs. Nuñez remarked, hesitating as she reached for the envelope.

“Go on, Mrs. Nuñez. You deserve it for your hospitality,” Eteri insisted, her smile warm. “Besides, my friends and I absolutely loved the cake you baked for us.”

“Oh, such a lovely child you are,” Mrs. Nuñez said with a warm smile. “Your friends left so early—what a shame they missed coffee time. Would you like to—”

“I’d love to, Mrs. Clara, but I’m attending the funeral as well,” Eteri interrupted gently. “And, unfortunately, I’ll need to return to the city soon for work.”

“I understand,” Mrs. Nuñez replied with a sigh. “I hope we’ll see each other again.”

࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

At the flat, Zane dashed straight to the bathroom, eager for a quick shower. Just as he pushed the door closed, a strange sensation prickled the back of his neck—the unsettling feeling of being watched.

“Raine?” he called out cautiously.

“Yes?” came Raine’s distracted reply from the living room. “I’m busy trying to find my things. They’ve cleaned the room, and now everything’s in disarray.”

Shaking off the unease, Zane locked the door and pulled off his grey shirt, tossing it into the hamper. He took a step toward the bath, only to freeze when a faint psst broke the silence. His brow furrowed, but he shrugged it off and unbuckled his belt.

Another psst. Then another, louder, as he moved closer to the bathtub. His hand hesitated over the tap.

“Raine, are you playing pranks on me?” Zane called out, irritation lacing his voice.

“What are you implying?!” Raine snapped back from the living room. “Why on earth would I do that while you’re in the bathroom?”

Unconvinced but unwilling to prolong the exchange, Zane turned on the shower, letting the water cascade over him as he ruffled his curly hair. He tilted his head back to rinse it, his gaze inadvertently drifting toward the ceiling. That’s when he noticed it—a strange reddish hue creeping along the walls above him.