One Last Try

Chapter3

She reached home and walked to the door. She opened the door and walked into the living room, her eyelids hanging low, shading her pale face.

Her gaze met that of Michael, seated on the sofa, waiting for her return. As she approached, he stood up, his eyes filled with concern, and opened his arms to embrace her.

“How was work today? He asked, his voice soft and gentle as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He planted a comforting kiss on her cheek, and she let out a deep sigh, her body relaxing into his embrace.

She shook her head, her face snuggling into his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and her voice was laced with frustration. “It was a nightmare; I don't even want to think about it right now.”

Michael's expression turned sympathetic, and he rubbed her back in a soothing circular motion, his touch calming her tense nerves. “What happened? Is everything okay?” he questioned, his voice filled with genuine interest and support.

She shrugged it off and forced a smile on her lips. “It was nothing serious,” she said. “How was your day at home?” she asked, attempting to change the subject at hand, her eyes filled with concern.

He released her from their embrace and flopped down on the sofa. His face now became serious. “I'm so done with being confined at home all the time,” he said, running his hands through his hair. “That's why I applied for a job two weeks ago.”

She sat down beside him, her body turned towards his, and her eyes locked onto his. “What do you mean? And why didn't you tell me?” she asked, one of her eyebrows raised.

He hesitated, his eyes cast downward. “I got the job, Patricia, but...” His voice trailed off, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “How do I put it?” He added with a sad tone.

She leaned towards him, brushing her hands on his slumped back. “Is there a problem? She asked.

He turned to her and held her hands gently. “Baby, listen, I want to talk to you about something,” he said, taking a deep breath and fidgeting with his hands. She stared back at him in curiosity.

“I recently caught up with my old high school friend, Nathan, and he helped me land a job as an international sales rep. Now, the company wants me to meet with a client in Iraq to discuss selling its products.” He paused, noticing her concerned expression. “It's just a one-week trip, darling, and then I'll be back home.”

She raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. “International, huh? That sounds like a lot of traveling... to some pretty far-flung places.” She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I mean, this sounds scarier than awkward.”

He nodded, his eyes locked on hers, trying to reassure her. “I know it sounds daunting, but it's a great opportunity for me, and I'll be safe, I promise. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“What company is that?” she asked. “I do not know why I feel uneasy about your new job and your reunion with Nathan,” she ended, releasing a deep sigh.

“Of course I know; you're going to miss me,” he teased her.

“A week? One week is quite long,” she pouted, her lips showing how sad she was about the news.

He grinned confidently and said, “Come on, the company's name is Galacticorp! I'll be in touch with you every second, hour, and day.” He emphasized his point with a playful wink.

She rolled her eyes and gave a dismissive “Whatever” as she leaned her head on his shoulder, her arms crossed casually around his waist. He wrapped his arm around her neck, pulling her close as they sat together, his smile still shining brightly with enthusiasm.

“I'll have to go take a quick shower,” she said as she rose and went to the room, took a quick shower, and put on her pajamas. She returned to Michael and laid him on the couch, where he was watching TV.

As she drifted off to sleep, Michael carefully swept his arms under her, cradling her limp form with tender care. He lifted her effortlessly, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face, and paced towards the door with gentle steps.

With a skillful maneuver, he managed to open the door without waking her and then laid her down. He adjusted the pillow under her head. His fingers brushed against her hair, and he gave a soft kiss to her forehead.

As he settled in beside her, he wrapped his arms around her once more, this time pulling her close, so her head rested on his chest. He closed his eyes, a contented sigh escaping his lips as he savored the warmth of her presence, and soon fell asleep, his body relaxed and his face calm.

When her eyes opened in the middle of the night, her hand instinctively reached out to feel the empty space beside her. Only the thick texture of the bedding that she felt. Michael?” she called out softly, her voice husky with sleep, but the silence was deafening. She threw off the covers and padded across the room, her bare feet on the cold ground, making barely a sound on the floor.

She pushed open the bathroom door, reached for the switch, and turned the lights on. Her eyes scanned the dimly lit space, but it was empty. She switched off the lights and retreated from the bathroom.

She pulled the door close, and just then her eyes were drawn to a shadowy figure from the window. It was not visibly seen, so she had to get closer.

Her heart began to race, her pulse throbbing in her neck, as she took slow, cautious steps towards the window, her eyes fixed on the figure.

Her hand involuntarily rose to her chest, as if to still her racing heart, and her breath caught in her throat as she drew closer, her eyes locked on the mysterious form.

Her pace stopped in front of the window. She stretched her neck to stare outside the window, her eyes fixed intently on the figure outside.

The man's back was hunched, and his shoulders scrunched up in concentration as he vigorously dug into the sand with a shovel. His movements were deliberate and labored, as if he were trying to bury something.

Her curiosity piqued, and she pressed her face closer to the glass, her nose almost touching the windowpane, her eyes widening, and her body trembling in fear.