Survival

Chapter 45

For the entire ride to the Corona's home, both parents were informing her on sleeping arrangements. Because the spare room was mostly used for storage, there are still some things that need to be moved to the attic and the garage.

So, for the time being, Elsa is going to be sharing Rapunzel's room.

She did not know what to say to that. Elsa figured Rapunzel would have been furious having to share her space, but when Elsa glanced at her, she showed no sign that she was angry or annoyed. In fact, Rapunzel turned to her and gave her a reassuring smile and whispered, "Don't worry about it. Everything is fine."

Elsa only blinked back.

It took about fifteen minute to reach the house. Even before they arrived, she was awestruck on how large and beautiful the houses are. The neighborhood itself felt safe and lively. Even though it was supposedly freezing outside, there were children playing in the yard under the supervision of their protective parents.

She quickly looked away.

And as they pulled up the driveway, the house took her breath away. Their home consisted of a two-story brick house with black french windows and panels.

As they opened the garage, Elsa was able to see a wall of ivy that's sprawled over one side of the house, probably leading to the backyard.

Elsa's hands begin to sweat. She was too little to understand her family's financial status. But after the accident, her father let everything go. Sometimes he'd forget to pay for electricity, the heat would often run out, and there wouldn't be any food in the fridge or cabinets.

But seeing this...the luxury...Elsa can't help but feel out of place—as if she's too dirty and low to be in a beautiful place like this.

When Mr. Corona stops the car, Elsa pulls herself out of her thoughts.

They all step out. Rapunzel and her mom exit the right side, while Elsa opens the door from the other side. The door opens and to make sure she doesn't fall, she slowly places her broken leg on the step attached to the car to help her ease to the floor.

Mr. Corona closes his door and strides to Elsa.

"Let me help you," he offers his hand.

She stares at his hand and looks at him in the eyes for a brief moment before turning away.

I can't.

Elsa shakes her head at the offer.

Luckily, Mrs. Corona reaches her side of the car and suggest to her husband, "Darling, why don't you help with the bags. I'll help Elsa."

Elsa didn't dare looks at his face as he says "alright" and follows his daughter as she carries one of the bags inside.

"Let's go, sweetheart," Mrs. Coronas looks at her with her green eyes—Rapunzel's eyes. They were inviting and kind. It was because of that she took her hand and dropped to the floor.

Elsa quietly whimpers at the pain that shoots down her back as she stands, but Rapunzel's mom offers Elsa her crutches. One of them. As she use one, Mrs. Corona was at her other side and keeping her upright.

They slowly walk to the door at the back of the garage and step into a dimly lit hallway. As they walk in silence ahead, the room opens up to a spacious living room.

Ahead of them are the stairs to ascend to the second level. A sea of sunlight brought upon a large wall window cascades over the couches and coffee table that are placed in front of a large plasma screen.

On the other side is the kitchen that is separated by a wall. In the wall is a small panel that can be opened, sort of like a window to the living room. The kitchen door is open and inside she can hear Rapunzel and her father talking.