Sophie choked on the coffee and spilled it over herself. She blinked rapidly at her aunt, not failing to note the sudden burn in her cheek or the sudden increase in temperature. “Careful now, child; we don’t want you choking on coffee.” His aunt continued, handing her a tablecloth. The smile was still on her face. “How was it? Tell me everything.” Sophie looked away, frowning. “Aww, c'mon, don’t be shy. An old woman like me can only imagine such things now.”“I have to go.” Sophie signed hurriedly and rushed away. She heard her aunt erupt with laughter as she left, and she could not help the smile that settled on her face. Her aunt was a lovely character when she wanted to be. Rhys was awake when she returned to the room. He sat upright on the bed and appraised her, his eyes lingering too much on her lips. “Lovely morning.” He greeted. Sophie nodded and crossed to the window. Rhys stood up from the bed and walked to where she stood. He drew her into himself and wrapped his arm

“Lies.” Sophie’s aunt spat. “We all know there are no animals in our forests. They’re just trying to cover up their carelessness, especially since it has cost them the death of a child.” “Have you gone to see Shelly?” the woman asked suddenly. Sophie’s aunt shook her head. “No. I cannot leave his side. I will send Sophie up there later to give her my condolences for me. It is so tragic.” "Yes, it is.” The woman concurred. “And you must send your condolences. Oh, dear Shelly. That poor, poor soul.” *** The clangs of knives and forks were the only sound that could be heard as the three occupants of the mansion gathered around the dining table. The excitement of the morning had quickly faded, allowing the gloom in the atmosphere to seep in. Sophie’s aunt, who was the most talkative of the three, had said nothing since their arrival at the market hours ago and the departure of her visitor. She had cooked the meal silently, asking no help from her niece, and prepared the table by

Her uncle’s study was open, but only slightly. No light came from within, so she knew instinctively that he was not in there, but she could hear shuffles and low murmurings. With her back to the wall, her small feet crept forward till she got to the door, then she peered through it. There was a shadow in the room, with tall, elongated limbs ripping something apart. She crept closer until she saw the body that the shadow was connected to. It was a little girl. “Pssss…” Sophie hissed. The girl did not turn. She put her tongue in between her lips and again. “Pssss…” The head turned, squinted in the dark, and then smiled. Sophie saw the small figure run and squat behind the desk. She giggled. “Alice.” She whispered and crept through the small opening in the door. “Scoot over.” Her small voice spoke as she joined Alice behind the desk. She looked behind her to the door, which she had forgotten to close, and clutched the door tight to her chest. They were hiding from the IT, and she

It has been four hours since Alice disappeared. Well, it has been four hours since I noticed and went in search of her. My aunt has since noticed too and has not stopped to yammer on about my carelessness and the need to look after my sister more. I was tempted to tell my aunt that technically, I was not her daughter’s sister, but I thought better of it. My aunt is not someone who knows how to take a joke, especially when she is upset about something. They had begun a search for her, but that was two hours ago, and they are not close to finding her yet. As for me, I have settled myself in my uncle’s study. Don’t think I am not worried; I am. Alice never plays pranks such as these, and there is no reason why she would run away from home without telling me. I hate it when she goes on adventures like these without taking me along; you must know how upset I am. When they find her—eventually they will—or when she finally decides to return and after her aunt has given her an earful an

Rosa watched as the doctor declared her husband dead. She heard no words, just the sound of her heart beating in her chest. Thump thump, thump thump’. Thoughts failed her too. Her mind, body, and soul were numb. Once she saw the doctor raise the white cloth over her husband’s face, she turned on her heels and left the hospital. She saw the pitiful look on their faces, mouths pursed, and eyes following her retreating figure. She had not known that she would have to go through all this again in such a short time. She stepped into their old car. It reminded her too much of Jack. A tear grazed her cheek and landed on her thighs. She tightened her hand on the steering, pressed down on the pedestal, and zoomed off. Once she got to their house, she stepped out of the car, opened her door, ignored the maid who waited patiently at the door, and disappeared into her husband’s study. She was shocked at the mess he had left it in, but perhaps this was the perfect environment to let out al