The pattern stayed the same day after day. Nothing big happened, but nothing felt completely calm either. It was like living beside a river that looked smooth on the surface but carried strong currents just below. Elias and Mara went through their routine with the same care as always, but now every sound, every passing car, and every stranger’s glance held a little more meaning.
Elias had learned long ago that danger does not always come with loud shouts or open threats. Most of the time it creeps in slowly, trying to make you feel alone and unsure. He explained this to Mara as they worked one morning, shaping legs for a dining table.
“Right now they are not trying to hurt us,” he said while guiding his tool along the wood. “They are trying to change how we feel. They want us to start lo
