Enkindled

CHAPTER FIVE

A Figment

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Marching forward in joyous, she halts for a moment, pulling Simbha back in position. Her lungs inflate with an onrush of nice natures fresh air from the trees while the wind blowing her hair as she admires every bit of it.

But soon a pin drop silence inundating around her except for the wild battering sound of leaves interacting with each other. The moist cold breeze hitting her face, evoking a dreadful memory from last night. An uneasy feeling stirring the acids in her stomach at the thought of one man she despises the most — Brandon.

Her throat tightens as a single drop of grief wells up from the corner of her eyes, racing down her rosy cheeks. She's been taming herself to cry with style in silent for years. But not anymore. Her rusting heart with walls are beginning to crash down and one can see through the rawness in her soul, like the pain of an open wound.

She rubs her cheek, holding her head high she begins walking and thrashing all the negative thoughts out of her system as she doesn't want to ruin her day. 'C'mon boy.' She orders, treading out of the entrance.

Advancing towards the cafe, Priya continues to lose herself in deep thoughts. I guess going out for dinner with Luke is not a bad idea after all. She deliberates and shrugs.

Right around the corner before crossing the path, she squints, noticing a black Volvo following her for quite some time now, or she just being paranoid about it, given the things that have been happening off late.

To confirm her doubts she walks a few more yards. 'Just my imagination!' She mumbles as she repeats it again and again in self-assurance. Her pace fastens, Simbha breathing rapidly, trying to keep up with her. She can feel her pulse pounding hard against her chest. But before long, her legs begin to give up on her, and she stumbles over her high heels.

Feeling like a failure she decides to face them, her speed decelerating. Paralyzing hurt spreads through her body like icy water. Clenching her fist on the leash, she worries, having no clue on how to defend herself if it's indeed Brandon.

She first hesitates at each harrowing step. With trembling legs, she slowly turns, rising her eyes lids and stares down at the car. A choked cry for help force itself up her throat, a warm flush of tears rolling down her cheeks yet again as she tries to figure out the person inside. But to her dismay it varooms past her, leaving her in bewilderment.

In seconds her heart, almost in her mouth. That choky feeling in the throat arises from fear. She lets out a long deep sigh of relief 'Ugh!'. Relaxing her worked up muscles. A deep furrow formed between her brows falls back to normalcy. 'I was worried about nothing.' She muffles. Instinctively, her shivering hand moves over to the big drops on her chin, wiping it clean.

After catching her breath, gradually her brain picks up the speed of her feet in an unbalanced gait. The reality, tapping its way into her already accelerated neurons.

As she slowly, marches forward, her stiffen body unwinds the tension, her lungs returning to a normal rhythm, and legs coming to life when she sees the usual busy crowd across the street near the cafe — Screamin' Beans. The feeling of safety resurfacing on her mind. All she has to do is blend in.

The cafe is located at the heart of the city in the midst of heavy traffic with regular hustles and bustles, makes it a very easy yet secure landmark.

Pulling her jacket closer, she crosses the road with her furry buddy.
Priya spots her friends at the corner table of cafe porch, seated at their regular place. She waves at them. Beaming, she rushes towards as Simbha marching along with her. It is their usual hangout, giving them homely vibes.