Ophelia? (Entered In 2022 Wattys Award)

Sandra And Ophelia

The stalker's offer earns everyone's undisputed attention.
Amelia hasn't realized that she was holding her breath. She almost screams in happiness.

Shawn shakes the phone like a crazy person.
"Really! Will you do that? "
He asks eagerly, teardrops visible in his eyes.

" Yes! It's a gift! Happy, Sandra? "
The caller asks Sandra.

Of course, she is happy. Happy to see the relief on Shawn's face. But an uncomfortable twist forms in her heart. Her senses are warning her of the upcoming turmoils in her life, in everyone's lives. She can feel the eerieness dangerously close to her.

"Okay! It's enough talking for today! Sweet dreams!
The caller chirps. He pauses and whispers,
"I will not let you miss me too much, Sandra!"
The call ends with his dark laugh.

Shawn is too much happy and confused at the same time. Because he isn't sure whether he can believe the 'Ophelia' guy.

When he ponders a little, he understands that there is no way for him to check whether the gift thing is a lie or not. He hopes desperately that his parents will return home.

He looks at Sandra and feels bad for her.
Poor Sandra!

It's strange that someone might hate her so extremely. She is not one of them who is hell-bent on making enemies.

Sandra remains silent for some time.
She then forces a smile and said,
"Isn't that great? He is doing what we want. That's very satisfying news."

"But we don't know that for sure. He may be lying."
Amelia says quietly.

"That's true. But we can't lose hope. I mean it's our best bet, right? What else can we even do? We don't have anything to catch him."
Sandra says, keeping the forced smile on her face.

Amelia looks intently at Sandra. She knows that Sandra is putting on a brave face. She gives her a look of sympathy.

It's already 9. Both the girls again ride the bus home.

"Alright. Meet you the next day in the shop.
Bye."
Sandra waves her hand to Amelia.

Amelia waves back at her and motions towards her apartment gate. Then she stops a little and turns around.
"Sandy!"

Sandra stops on the road and looks at her best friend.
"What? "

"Are you okay? "

This simple question of Amelia moistens her eyes. She shakes her head in negative.

Amelia hurries toward her and engulfs her in a tight hug.
"It's okay. We are here. Don't feel lonely, Sandy. "

" I am afraid, Amy. I can't even guess who that psycho stalker might be. What should I do, Amy? "
She cries hard to let all the fears out.

"Don't be like that. Come on. Let's go. I will be with you tonight. "
Amy soothingly pats her on the back.

"Really! Thank you, Amy! I couldn't even say all these to Sam right now. "

Sandra wipes her tears. She was really afraid to walk alone home.

-------------------------

"What do you think, Sara? Should I let them go? "
The man asks the brunette woman in front of him.

" It's up to you, sir. You know what you need. "
She replies in a monotonous tone.

He claps in happiness.
"That's why I like you, Ophelia. Always obedient! "
He takes his hand to his mouth.
" Oops! Sorry, Sara! Not Ophelia! "