Runaway Halloween

Chapter 8

"I think you better go home," Susan said to Melanie, whilst looking at Linda. "Would you be kind enough to take her home, please?"

Linda nodded, walking back to the office with Melanie, arm still around her back.

By her desk, Melanie looked at everyone, feeling unable to say anything. Was she going crazy by not knowing what had happened to a day she should have lived?

As she struggled to put her coat on, Linda helped by holding it for her.

By Melanie's desk, Susan said, "Take the week off. You came back too soon after Brian sadly passed away. You need time to grieve properly. Get the process from your system, and by the time you come back, you'd feel like doing the conscientious job we all know you are capable of."

Melanie looked at her to apologise, "I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologise. It's difficult when you lose someone, let alone someone who was lost as tragically as Brian. If you need any counselling to help you get through this, remember you have the work's service." Melanie may have been her manager, but she cared about the ones she managed and wanted to ensure they were able to cope inside and outside of work.

Linda placed her arm around her once more, leading her from the office.

As Melanie was left, some staff looked around, whispering to each other.

Scanning the office with a scowl, Susan watched as they stopped talking to go back to the job they were doing before Melanie arrived.

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In the car outside her house, Melanie thanked Linda for bringing her home. "Would you like to come in for a drink before you go back to work?" Melanie asked.

Linda shook her head, "I better not."

Melanie smirked and opened the door to exit.

Linda looked at her pitiful before turning the engine off and leaving the car. "On second thoughts, work can wait. Susan asked me to bring you home. At least I should ensure you are in the house safely before leaving."

Hooking her arm under Linda's, they walked up the path together.

Getting the key from her bag, she placed it in the lock.

As they entered, Melanie asked, "Do you feel how cold this house is?"

Linda shrugged her shoulders, "It feels fine to me. Maybe it's that thin coat you got on. You should wear something warmer this weather."

Melanie shook her head, guessing Linda was only humouring her.

"You go and sit in the living room. I'll make us a cup of tea," Linda said.

'It's okay..." Melanie begun.

Linda ordered, pointing to the living room, "You go and sit in there."

Head down like someone who did something wrong in school, Melanie walked to the living room to sit on the settee. As she listened to the kettle, Melanie kept her coat on and placed her arms around herself to keep warm.

Drinks made, Linda bought them in and handed Melanie's to her.

She grabbed the cup with both hands as she tried to continue warming herself.

Linda watched as Melanie put the cup to her lips, looking over the top of the cup.

"I am not going mad," Melanie pleaded as she placed the cup on the table by the side of where she sat. "This house is a lot colder today than it has been in a long time."