Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 119: Rice bag

It was 12 pm already, and the house was quiet, except for the sound of Emily, Alexander's niece, banging on their door. "Uncle Alex! Rachael! Are you guys okay?" she shouted, her voice filled with concern.

When no one answered, Emily's worry turned to panic. She tried the door handle, but it wouldn't budge. In her anxiety, she pushed harder, and the door swung open, creaking loudly on its hinges.

Emily's eyes scanned the room, and she was relieved to see Alexander and Rachael sleeping peacefully, wrapped in each other's arms. They looked tired but happy, and Emily couldn't help but smile at the sight.

She tiptoed over to them, trying not to disturb their sleep. "I'm sorry, guys," she whispered, "I was worried sick about you." Emily gently pulled the covers up to their shoulders, making sure they were comfortable, before quietly slipping out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Sophia, Emily's mother, walked into the living room, a look of concern on her face. "Emily, what's going on? I heard you banging on Alexander's door," she asked, her voice soft.

Emily smiled, relief washing over her face. "They're fine, Mom," she said, shaking her head. "They're just sleeping... and happy."

Sophia's expression changed to one of amusement. "Ah, I see," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Well, in that case, let's let them sleep. They obviously need it."

Emily nodded in agreement, and the two of them sat down in the living room, whispering quietly to each other so as not to disturb the sleeping couple.

Alexander's eyes snapped open, and he was greeted by the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the sleep, and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. His heart sank as he saw that it was already 3 pm.

"Fuck," he muttered to himself, remembering the meeting he was supposed to attend at HQ at 10 am. He tried to sit up, but Rachael's arms tightened around him, holding him in place.

"Sleepy," she mumbled, her voice husky with sleep. "My love, don't run away. Stay here."

Alexander couldn't help but smile as he looked at Rachael's peaceful face. He thought to himself, "Day off today." He wrapped his arms around Rachael, pulling her close, and let out a contented sigh.

Emily walked into the room, a big smile on her face. "Wake up, sleeping birds!" she exclaimed, her voice loud and cheerful.

Alexander and Rachael groggily opened their eyes, blinking in the bright light. They looked at each other, then at Emily, who was standing over them, laughing.

"What time is it?" Alexander asked, his voice rough with sleep.

"It's 4 pm," Emily replied. "You guys have been sleeping all day. I was starting to get worried."

Rachael sat up, rubbing her eyes. "We're sorry, Emily. We just needed a nap."

Alexander swung his legs over the side of the bed. "A nap that lasted all day," he added, laughing.

Emily said "your friend Marcus is here uncle."

Alexander said "tell him I am coming."

Emily nodded and turned to leave. "I'll tell him, Uncle Alex," she said.

Alexander swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "I'll be right there," he said, his voice loud enough for Emily to hear as she walked out of the room.

Rachael sat up in bed, watching Alexander as he began to get dressed. "Who's Marcus?" she asked, her voice curious.

Alexander smiled as he pulled on his shirt. "An old friend," he said. "We've known each other for years. He's a good guy."