The Next Morning
The sun rose gently, painting the sky in a soft, golden hue. It was a peaceful Sunday morning—almost too peaceful—after a night soaked in blood, fear, and shadows. I sat up in bed, my heart still pounding with memories, but something inside me felt new… lighter.
As I opened my window, a wave of crisp morning air swept in, carrying the scent of dew and a chorus of chirping birds. The world outside looked untouched by the horrors of the previous night. For a long while, I stood there, eyes lifted to the endless blue, letting it calm the storm inside me.
"It's beautiful… just to be alive," I thought, my fingers gripping the windowsill.
Only hours ago, I had stared death in the eye. Escaping its clutches made me realize how little I truly understood life. For so long, I believed it was about exams, stress, achievements, and survival. But life—real life—was something far deeper. Something I had never allowed myself to feel… until now.
I turned to the old, worn book lying on my desk—the one Uncle Ben gave me. My hands reached for it instinctively, and I pulled it into my arms, holding it like a lifeline.
"No tears, Serena," I whispered, fighting the welling emotion. "Not today. Uncle Ben wanted you strong. You're still here, with the book. That means something."
Just then, my phone buzzed.
One new message from Jared.
A shiver ran down my spine. I hesitated, then unlocked it.
> Dear Serena, I know you must be deeply asleep after the most exhausting night. But if you don't mind, I'd like to meet you at Greenland Park. 11 o'clock.
I frowned, rereading it.
Why does he want to meet me so suddenly?
Was it about the book? Or something else? Something worse?
Still, I replied:
> Yeah, sure.
Despite everything he had done—despite the betrayal—there was a part of me that still softened when it came to Jared. He had been my first love… and in a strange way, maybe the only one who truly knew me. I hadn't forgiven him, not entirely. But I appreciated him standing beside me when things turned dark. That alone was enough to say yes.
But before meeting him, I had something more important to do.
I joined my family for breakfast—something I hadn't done in what felt like years. Laughter flowed at the table, light and pure. Tom sat across from me, glowing in that warmth, eyes full of spark. When he caught me staring, he tilted his head and smiled, mouthing silently, "Everything's going to be perfect now."
I smiled back, almost believing it.
After breakfast, I changed into my favorite red velvet coat, paired it with matching pants and a crisp white shirt, and filled a small pouch with chocolates. My next destination was Maria's home.
I owed her everything.
If she hadn't shown up last night… I didn't even want to finish that thought. I might not have been alive to watch the sky this morning.
I reached her place and rang the bell. A small boy, maybe around nine, flung the door open. His eyes lit up with joy.
"Heeeyyyy! We've got a visitor!" he shouted, spinning around with excitement.
A frail but graceful old woman appeared at the top of the staircase. "Who is it, Oshwin?" she called, making her way down.
"Hello, is this Maria's house?" I asked politely.
"Yes, dear. Come in, come in. You must be Maria's friend," the old woman replied, her voice sweet like warm honey. "What's your name, child?"
"I'm Serena," I said.
The moment the words left my lips, her expression changed. Her eyes widened, but not in fear—something else. Something closer to recognition.
"Oh… the Serena," she whispered with a strange, half-knowing smile.
"The brave Serena is here!" Oshwin chimed in, mimicking her tone with childlike glee.
"Come in, child," she said again, ushering me to the living room.
"I'm Netli—Maria's grandmother. But you can call me Grandma Netli," she added, placing a kind hand on mine.
I smiled at her, still unsure why her gaze seemed to study me so deeply.
And then, suddenly, the warmth in her voice vanished.
Her expression darkened.
Her eyes, once soft, now burned with something sharper. Her hand trembled ever so slightly as she leaned forward.
"Serena…" she said, her voice low, almost a growl.
"Be careful. It's better to back off. Because you…"