Chapter 5:Voices In The Dark

Clara's pov

Following Vanessa's escape, fear crept into every aspect of our lives. Our hearts jumped at every sound in our apartment and every phone call from an unknown number. We were not allowed to let our guards down, not even for a split second.

I lay in bed that initial night after getting the news and gazed up at the ceiling. Although I could hear Ethan breathing continuously close to me, I was unable to fall asleep. I was both afraid and determined at the same time. My thoughts were plagued by Vanessa's visage; her evil smile served as a constant reminder of the peril we were in.

Ethan and I got down to talk about our plan the following morning. The smell of fresh coffee was overflowing the kitchen, but neither of us grabbed our mugs. Our family's protection was our main concern.

Ethan said in a relaxed but anxious voice, "We need to tighten security." "It's currently being handled by Michael, but we need to think about temporarily moving to a secure place."

Despite the fact that I hated the idea of rearranging our lives, I nodded in agreement, knowing that we needed it at the moment. "How about Ella?" I want her to feel safe. She needs stability.

Holding my hand, Ethan extended his arm. "For her, we'll turn it into an adventure. an interesting but secured location."

"It could be brought up as a short vacation, a family trip, or an exciting change of activity."

Just as we were talking, there was a knock at the entrance door. Michael looked more serious than I had ever seen him, as he simply stood there. Looking around as though Vanessa could come up from the darkness, he stepped inside.

He claimed, "Everything is in place," in a tone that gave no room for explanation. "I'll take you to a secure location that I've set up. It is isolated, highly safeguarded, and provided with all the necessities.

As Ella dashed into the room, the seriousness of our conversation was strikingly in opposition to her innocence. "Can we play outside today, Mommy?" I bent down to her level and gave her a beaming grin. "Not today, my love. We're having a brief trip. Do you think that would be nice?

Excitation flashed in her eyes. “A trip? To where?” She asked curiously. Ethan lifted her into his chest and replied,Don't worry, baby, it's a surprise." You will surely love it. It is going to be a wonderful trip.

It was a quick-rush pack. I tried to be at ease and cautious in my movements as I gathered the things needed for Ella. It hurt to think about letting go of the life we'd developed, but the safety of our family had to come first.

By the time we were about to leave, there was an uneasy vibe around the house, as though Vanessa was still there in every corner. Ella was cheerfully babbling in the back seat as we fitted ourselves into the car, unconscious of the pressure that was starting to build up. Leading the route, Michael checked every passing car and pedestrian with his gaze.

It was a lengthy drive, and as the urban landscape gave way to the wide-open countryside, I experienced a mixture of relief and anxiety. Situated deep in the woods, the safe house was a bastion of security and isolated circumstances. As he gave us a tour, Michael pointed out the alarm systems, the emergency room, and the channels of communication that would allow us to stay in constant connection with him.

Ethan and I sat on the balcony that night, embracing the stillness of the forest as Ella slept peacefully in her new room. There was a sense of resolve in combination with the gravity of our circumstances. Together, we had travelled this far, and now we would face whatever came next.

The sounds of the forest at night provided a strange comfort as we sat in silence for a while.

The next few days were spent getting used to our new routine; Michael came over frequently to provide updates and make sure everything was going as planned.

Ethan and I tried our best to keep Ella's life normal, spending our days playing games, telling stories, and laughing.

  

One evening, as I was tossing and turning and turning on the bed trying to get some sleep without worrying about the problems ahead of us, my phone buzzed with a message from a no caller ID number that read,You can’t keep running away from me Clara; I will get you sooner or later. Till then, have a nice trip with your family, b*tch!!”