The messenger
303 Words
The Messenger*
The woman's eyes, a deep, piercing brown, locked onto Nina's, holding her in place. The café's sounds and smells faded into the background as the woman's gaze bore into her soul.
"Nina," the woman repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry I'm late."
Lucas, the man who'd joined her moments before, watched the exchange with interest, his eyes flicking between Nina and the woman.
The woman, her dark hair flecked with gray, approached the table, her movements hesitant. "May I...may I sit?"
Nina nodded, still trying to process the emotions swirling inside her. The woman's eyes, her face, they seemed...familiar.
The woman sat, her hands clasped together on the table. "My name is Sophia. I...I knew your mother, Tracey."
The name hit Nina like a punch to the gut. Tracey. Her mother.
Sophia's eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry, Nina. I should have been there. I should have protected you."
Protected her? What did Sophia mean? Nina's mind reeled with questions.
Lucas, sensing her unease, intervened. "Sophia, perhaps this isn't the best time."
Sophia's gaze snapped to Lucas, a flash of anger in her eyes. "No, Lucas. It's time Nina knew the truth."
The truth. What truth? Nina's heart pounded in her chest as Sophia began to speak, her voice low and urgent.
"Tracey and I, we grew up together. We were like sisters. She...she had a gift, Nina. A gift that made her special. And she passed it down to you."
A gift? What gift? Nina's mind was a jumble of questions, but Sophia's next words cut through the chaos.
"You're not safe, Nina. There are people who want to...hurt you. Because of what you are."
The café's lights seemed to dim, the shadows creeping in. Nina's skin pricked with goosebumps as Sophia's words sank in.
- Writer
