...
Inside a public bus, two women are sitting close to each other in the back seat. Annaliese Clark and her wife, Jonah Perkins, who's facing the other way. Annaliese, with the red knitted hat, watches by the window. The colorful Christmas lights glistened like stars at midnight. Lightning up the busy street beautifully. Despite the freezing temperature, the town folks move out of their way to celebrate its festivity every inch. Her hand softly intertwines with Jonah. They enjoy each other's warmth in silence against the cold.
Annaliese pulled out her phone and called. "Jonah"
Jonah turned to her and asked. "What's up?"
"Remember the shop we went to earlier?" she asked, swiping through her gallery.
"Oh, yeah. Old Folks, was it?"
Annaliese's eyes beamed in excitement. "That's the one! While you're busy finding a replacement for our cabinet. After our little accident. I found this goofy table". She showed a poorly designed flamingo head as the centerpiece of a marble table. With its eyes bulging out of its head. As if someone choked it or a butcher's knife chopped off its neck.
"That's more disturbing than the little porcelain pig you bought cutting itself," Jonah uttered.
"I thought it looked cute," Annaliese argued. "Do you think Finn and Shadow would like it?" As she swiped further, an image of two cats appeared. An orange cat napping, and the other is a black kitten staring at the camera.
"I'm pretty sure Shadow couldn't care less. Though, Finn's..."
She added with a grin. "A scaredy cat?"
"Yeah. And not to mention, overdramatic", Jonah agreed. "One time, I was doing laundry and accidentally startled him. He bolted out of the room and smacked his face against the sofa. As if he hadn't heard the dryer a million times".
Annaliese snickered just by the thought of it. "Was he okay?"
"Don't worry, I gave our chunky little man a treat after. I don't understand. He gained weight again".
"About that..." Annaliese paused for a brief moment.
"Okay, promise not to get mad,"
"Is everything alright?"
She took a deep breath and confessed. "When you're asleep or at work. I sneaked a couple of snacks for him from time to time. Thinking that would cheer him up,"
Jonah playfully pinched her nose. "You sneaky little mouse. We've talked about this before"
"I know, I know. I'm sorry," Annaliese huffed, almost in tears. "Last week, after his surgery. He was so stressed and weak. It breaks my heart to see him like that,"
Jonah paused for a moment, as she realized how Annaliese felt extremely worried about Finn's condition. Concerned, Jonah calmly placed her hand on top of her hands. A simple reminder that she's there for her. Still, Annaliese's eyes are filled with disappointment in herself.
Jonah's eyes shifted to her lover's cherry-tinted lips. She cupped her chin and slowly turned towards her. As their lips came together in a tender and delicate embrace.
"I'm not going to let anything bad happen to Finn. I promise." Jonah assured, cupping both of her cheeks. "He's our tough little man."
She gave a subtle smile. "Thanks, love" then she tapped her shoulder. "How about you rest for a bit?"
Jonah nodded and laid her head down.
"Annaliese..."
Annaliese responded, "Hm?"
"Can we stay like this for a little longer?"
"What're you saying, silly?" Annaliese let out a small chuckle.
No response. Jonah fell asleep.
Suddenly, an ambulance wail grows louder and louder. The sound causes Annaliese's voice to become muffled. Gradually, the wailing faded into the distance, leaving behind an eerie silence. Jonah's eyes fluttered open, feeling a sense of isolation settle upon her. She turned her gaze to where Annaliese should have been. Only to find her reflection staring back from the window.
The bus finally stopped. Only then she realized the environment has also changed. Although, there aren't any visible festive lights on the street except snow. The bus driver announced the last stop through the intercom. His white and gray bushy beard shifts as he talks. Jonah grabbed her backpack and about to grab her luggage. But it rolled towards the front of the bus.
Jonah exclaimed to the driver, "Look out!"
The bus driver turned around and managed to catch it on time. "I got it,"
Jonah sighed with relief. "Thanks, Enzo"
"This guy's heavy. Here, let me help," he stood up and let out a grunt while carefully carrying her luggage out of the bus. "You know, when Donnie and I heard you came back to town. She's more excited than a kid who won a Nobel Prize".
"That's sweet. How is she?"
"Still managing the best coffee shop to ever exist. In this town at least." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Why don't you come by tomorrow? Donnie's been dying for you to try her new coffee and caramel cake combo".
"I'll stop by when I get the chance"
"Wonderful. Well, you should probably go inside. Get yourself something warm, okay? If you need something, I'm one phone call away. I'll even bring Kaleb with me." he playfully winked.
"Kaleb and I are good pals. Nothing more, nothing less. Plus, I'm not interested in dating men or anyone any time soon,"
Enzo nodded, realizing the state she's currently facing. "I see"
Jonah asked. Avoiding any awkward pauses between them. "So, how's Kaleb?"
"Same old Kaleb. Too busy working for his theater audition in Brooklyn," he stated.
"Seriously? That's great! He always wanted to be a part of a theater,"
"Speaking of theater, Annaliese also wants to be a part of Broadway, right?"
Her name, she thought to herself. Jonah went silent and gulped heavily. Her chest suddenly tensed up, making it difficult to breathe.
"Yeah. She did wonderfully on her first ever Broadway show. And I hope Kaleb as well" she shook her head as she took her luggage and walked away. "Thanks for driving me home, Enzo. I'd better get inside,"
He informed. "C-Call me if you need anything, okay?"
Jonah stopped at the front door and smiled at him before going inside. The house's deserted loneliness greeted her as soon as she stepped inside. Although, her place wasn't the same when she left. However, it looks like someone did a thorough job cleaning every corner they could put their hands on. There's light illuminating her living room, catching her attention. As she approached the light, her footsteps echoed through the halls. On top of a glass table was a small cake box and a white paper with a note that said, "Welcome back! From the Jones family".
She placed the note back. After a long trip, all she wanted right now was to relax. But that wouldn't be easy even if she wanted to. She sat on the couch with a heavy sigh. For a brief moment, a squeak interrupted the silence. While examining the room, above the fireplace, there's a framed photo. Jonah and Annaliese cheerfully hugging each other on a sunny day at the beach. Until now, she could hear the soothing ocean waves crashing against each other. Along with the sand's gritty yet warm surface. Even Annaliese's faint sweet melody of laughter. It was one of the best memories she had. Shortly after, the photo began to melt away and become distorted. And then, darkness swarms the room surrounding the light's presence. Jonah's breath became more and more shallow before the darkness consumed her entirely.
To be continued...