I woke up to an unusual noise, like things colliding. I opened my eyes to find the mattress empty. I had given her space last night, sitting in the corner to let her sleep. Now, she was gone. I rushed outside.
As I stepped out, I saw Samantha amidst the family, laughing and chatting like she belonged. The younger girl was sitting in front of her, and Samantha was weaving flowers into her hair. The two little boys were playing with sticks, trying to catch a chicken, while the mother was tending to a garden. The guy who had helped us was sitting on a rock, chatting with the girls.
I approached them, my footsteps quiet on the grass. Samantha's smile dropped the moment she saw me. She had been smiling and laughing with them like she'd known them forever. Now, her eyes just looked... flat. "H
