Meet me halfway (JELSA)

Chapter 5

17th December 2022

The house was undeniably beautiful, an impressive structure with a grand facade and expansive rooms. It radiated an air of elegance, every corner meticulously designed and decorated. Yet, as Elsa walked through the space, she felt a profound emptiness. The house was big, almost too big, with high ceilings and large windows that seemed to swallow up any sense of warmth or homely feeling.

In stark contrast, Elsa's apartment, though much smaller, was a haven of comfort and coziness. It wasn't just a place to live; it was her refuge. Each evening after work, she looked forward to returning to her snug little place. Her apartment had a welcoming ambiance that always made her feel at ease. The soft glow of her bedside lamp, the familiar scent of her favorite candles, and the gentle hum of her space felt like an embrace. She loved her little study table, where she often spent hours lost in a good book or revising her notes. Her bed, with its warm blankets and plush pillows, was her favorite retreat, a place of rest and peace, even through the nightmares.

But this house, as grand as it was, felt stark and lifeless. It was a house, not a home. The harsh Chicago winter only intensified the sense of desolation, casting everything in shades of dark and grey. The biting cold seemed to seep through the walls, further chilling the already impersonal atmosphere. Elsa briefly entertained the thought that maybe summer would bring some warmth and vibrancy to the place, perhaps transforming it into something more inviting. However, she quickly discarded the idea. Summer wouldn't make a difference as long as he remained in the house.

His presence seemed to drain the place of life, casting a shadow over everything. The tension and animosity he brought with him permeated the very air, making it impossible for the house to ever feel warm or welcoming. His cold demeanor and constant negativity were like a dark cloud, smothering any potential for joy or comfort. Elsa couldn't imagine the house ever becoming a home while he was there, turning what could have been a beautiful, lively space into something cold and inhospitable.

When she went upstairs, she found a large bedroom. The walls were painted in soft shades of white and beige, creating an elegant atmosphere. In the center of the room stood a king-sized bed made of dark wood. The balcony doors were open, allowing the chilly evening air to drift in. The white sheer curtains fluttered gently, pierced by the grey light from outside. She noticed several plants arranged on the balcony, their leaves swaying slightly in the breeze. The huge silver maple tree she noticed in the backyard was reachable from the balcony.

Her attention was immediately drawn to his coat, carelessly lumped on the duvet. The sight of it was a reminder of her drastic situation.

"Kill anyone lately, Stenford?"

She grimaced at the sound of his voice, sharp and sudden. How did he do that? Always sneaking up on her like that? He was a large man, yet his footsteps were so silent, almost predatory.

"Tried to. Unfortunately, you're still here," she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh, so your MO is torture then?" he replied smoothly.

"Depends. How are you feeling?" she asked, trying to maintain her composure.

"I was feeling good until I saw you" a sound that made her blood boil. He had the audacity to fucking chuckle. "Your room is down the hallway to the left," he said nonchalantly, then turned around and walked away.

She stood there, rooted to the spot, watching him descend the stairs. Seeing him left her feeling more unsettled than ever, a mixture of anger and confusion swirling inside her. The bedroom, despite its beauty, now felt tainted by his presence. She took a deep breath, turned around, and opened the door down the hallway.