42. Peace before Chaos

Astrid begins to feel anxious when Isaac doesn’t turn up after two hours. He had said that he would be back soon, but his definition of soon seemed to differ a lot from mine. I glare at the soup I was stirring. But the telltale signs of tears make me even angrier at myself. I caress my belly absent-mindedly.

Did he go back and lied to me? The very thought makes my throat feel tight. I turn off the heat when the soup starts bubbling and cover the lid before returning to my room. The house feels eerie again. My gaze wanders out of the window but I see no figure in the distance. The weather is humid and annoying.

I trudge back to the room but before I can enter, I hear the rustling of leaves. Astrid becomes alert and so do I.

I get a familiar floral scent which relaxes me at once. I whirl around and walk back to the living area. A smile curls on my lips.

“Clarissa?” I am surprised and happy to see her. She smiles back.

“How are you?” I notice the small backpack she is carrying.