The Test of Time

The morning seemed to begin as usual for Nightwine manor with the bitter scent of black coffee filling the air. Felicity was mindlessly buttering toast she had made for the residents upstairs. She was thinking about how at peace her guests were in their slumber and how in less than half an hour, that the serenity would shatter like an unprotected cell phone dropped on a concrete sidewalk. Just one look at the headlines would bring about storm clouds on this otherwise sunny day.

The young woman's day had been ruined way before it had even begun. She had been texting her boyfriend, who was in Italy participating in a study abroad, when he told her that he had to cancel his flight back and he would be stuck there indefinitely. Devastation was the first emotion Felicity had felt, but that was soon replaced with fear and concern. She hadn't slept a wink that night and was visibly exhausted and frustrated. She let out an audible sigh just as she finished buttering the last toast.

Just then, Ms. Nightwine, the owner of the bed and breakfast and Felicity's boss, walked in. "Felicity, dear, mind if we have a word right now? I think Carly can take over for you." said Ms. Nightwine in her usual warm and sympathetic tone while adjusting her bifocals. Felicity nodded, following the older lady out of the kitchen. As they made their way to the dining room, they were greeted by Carly.

"Carly, would you mind taking over for Felicity in the kitchen today? I would like to chat with her about something." Ms. Nightwine requested her other employee.

"Of course, Ms. Nightwine. Just as long as you promise that you aren't about to fire my bestie here." Carly responded in her joking usual manner. Felicity finally let out a small smile and Ms. Nightwine broke out into loud, hearty laughs.

"Never, dear. Your 'bestie', as you put it, is the best employee I could have asked for." Ms. Nightwine finished with a smile. Carly nodded happily and made her way to the kitchen just as the guests started walking in. Ms. Nightwine and Felicity went upstairs to Ms. Nightwine's living space that was off limits to the guests. Felicity vaguely heard some of the guests that had already started discussing the news.

The two women entered the room and Felicity took a moment to look around. The young woman had been visiting the manor since she was a child but didn't recall a space like this at all. She saw glass bottles of essential oils and candles placed on antique wooden bookshelves. The room wasn't as bright as most other rooms, only lit by three orange lamps placed in different corners. Due to the mystic vibe of the room, Felicity thought the older woman would pull out tarot cards and start predicting her future. Ms. Nightwine directed her to take a seat. Felicity took a seat on a nearby sofa, slowly turning her attention away from the room and to her boss.

"How is Noah doing?" Ms. Nightwine asked out of nowhere. Ms. Nightwine had known both of them since they were toddlers. The couple would often visit the manor as children and Ms. Nightwine would always offer them cookies.

Felicity was taken aback but responded that he was fine and he would be stuck in Italy for a while.

"I see, and how are you doing?" Ms. Nightwine asked gently. Felicity just gave a sad smile. Ms. Nightwine just took a minute to look at her. The young girl looked exhausted, her shoulders were slumped over and she had dark bags under her eyes. Ms. Nightwine just nodded sympathetically and they sat in silence for a couple minutes.

Something prompted Felicity to speak. Maybe it was the strange atmosphere of the room, the awkward silence or that she was tired of keeping her disappointment hidden for so long. "He was supposed to come back for my birthday next week. This is going to be the first time in my life that I won't be with him for my birthday. Even on the literal day I was born, him and his mom came to visit my mom and I at the hospital. We grew up together and spent all of our birthdays with each other. That's not even the worst part about this. It is scary knowing that he isn't safe and I can't do anything to help. All people have been talking about for days is the coronavirus and I am genuinely terrified for him. I know that he is staying away from people and is barely leaving his apartment. I still feel this worry in the back of my mind like a ghost haunting me." Her tone was somber and her eyes began to pool with water. She somehow kept her voice from shaking. Ms. Nightwine leaned over and engulfed the young girl in a hug. Felicity hugged back, letting the tears flow. A few moments later Felicity pulled back and apologized for her outburst.