As the lightning subsided, I fixed my gaze on Stan, scrutinizing his demeanor for any signs of misbehavior.
"It's just lightning," Stan reassured me with a smile.
I blinked rapidly, disengaging myself from Jenna's grasp with determination. I strode purposefully toward the narrow path, wiping away my tears as I made my way to my grandmother's wooden house, my head hung low in sorrow.
The Islanders had multiplied since I had left just a few minutes earlier. Jenna, who had been following closely behind me, came to an abrupt halt when she saw the unfamiliar faces. None of the women uttered a word; their sorrowful expressions had transformed into sympathy for me.
