Chapter 7: Relief
247 Words
Chapter 7: Relief
The relief that washed over Anya as she read Liz's message was almost as intense as the fear she'd felt earlier. The text explained Liz's absence a family emergency in Cebu. Her grandmother was sick, and Liz had rushed home to be with her. A wave of guilt washed over Anya for her earlier worry; she'd let her imagination run wild. She immediately called Liz, the sound of her friend's voice a balm to her anxious soul. They talked for a while, Anya reassuring Liz and asking about her grandmother's condition. Liz explained that she'd already asked her professors for permission to take a special exam later. Anya's relief grew, and she ended the call with a promise to stay in touch. The lingering unease from the night before still flickered, but it was overshadowed by the warmth of friendship and the knowledge that Liz was safe. For now, at least, the darkness seemed to recede. But the image of the shadowy figure remained, a persistent whisper in the back of her mind.
Two days melted into Thursday, and Anya found herself walking towards the club, lost in a whirlpool of anxieties. The promise to her landlord echoed in her mind rent was due this week, yet her paycheck wouldn't arrive until the end of the month. The fear of asking for an advance payment gnawed at her she was barely a week into her new job. But desperation pushed her forward. She'd try.
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