Chapter 10:Gratitudes

The night went by slowly; every minute feels like an hour as I kept waking up every now and then to make sure we were safe.

Maria was already fast asleep, but I couldn’t find any peace in sleep. My mind was still replaying the events that unfolded in the day—the gunshots, the men chasing after us, and Ethan being wounded.

Eventually, the morning lights and rays of sunlight shone through the small window of the house. The pale light was a welcome sight, signalling the end of the night that seemed to have lasted longer than other nights.

I sit up and rub Ella’s brown short hair downward more, like smoothing it, she who was still sound asleep.

“Oh, my lovely daughter, you must be very tired,“ I said to myself as you kissed her on her forehead.

I looked straight at where Maria slept and couldn’t find her; my heart jumped out of my chest instantly.

“Maria.” I called out loudly as the room echo. “Where could she have gone? It's still very early.” I wondered as I walked into the other room