"Wrap!" the director called.
My final scene complete.
Relief washed over me.
I'd immersed myself in Talia's world.
Now, back to reality.
My phone buzzed.
Clyde's text illuminated the screen.
"Waiting for you, Moon."
My heart swelled.
I hurried to the car.
Clyde's warm smile greeted me.
As I slid in, he enveloped me.
A gentle hug.
A soft kiss.
His eyes, red-rimmed.
Concern etched on his face.
"Hey, Moon," he whispered.
"Long day?"
I nodded.
"Talia's struggles are real."
Clyde's expression turned somber.
"I know you're hurting."
He knew about the miscarriage.
Though he and Ani weren't close.
He cared about me.
My pain.
"Let's go home," he said.
"Leave the drama behind."
In his arms, I felt safe.
Loved.
But guilt lingered.
Ani, my sister.
His wife.
Our complicated past.
Unresolved emotions.
As we pulled into the driveway, I noticed Anissa sitting on the patio, her gaze fixed on something in the backyard. She seemed lost in thought, her expression eerily calm. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the lawn.
Clyde and I exchanged a concerned glance.
"What's going on?" he whispered.
I shook my head.
We approached the house, and I saw what had captured Anissa's attention.
A small fire burned in the backyard, flames dancing upward, she was burning stuffs, I recognize they were supposed to be for her unborn child... Unfortunately it was gone.
But what caught my heart racing was Rhodes, Aunt Sophie's mischievous three - year - old, reaching out to touch the fire.
"Rhodes, no!" I screamed, sprinting toward him.
My feet pounded the grass.
Anissa, still entranced, didn't flinch.
Clyde followed close behind, his voice firm.
"Rhodes, stop!"
I swooped in, snatching Rhodes into my arms.
Relief washed over me.
Safe.
"Ani, what's wrong?" Clyde asked, shaking her gently.
Anissa blinked.
Confusion replaced her blank stare.
"Sorry...I spaced out."
Her eyes widened.
"Rhodes! Oh, thank God..."
She rushed to hug Rhodes tightly.
Tears streamed down her face.
"I'm so sorry, Dahlia. I wasn't watching."
Aunt Sophie emerged from the house.
"Thank you, dear," she said, taking Rhodes.
"I was just getting a snack."
Anissa's expression turned haunted.
"I'm so sorry. It won't happen again."
Aunt Sophie's face crumpled as she heard the tale.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
She had just returned to collect Rhodes.
But Anissa had asked her for a snack.
"Thank God Dahlia was there," Clyde said.
His voice rose.
"Ani, how careless can you be?"
Aunt Sophie sobbed.
"I left him with you for just a minute."
Anissa's eyes widened.
"Clyde, I'm sorry. It was a mistake."
I held Rhodes tight.
Tears fell.
"How could you, Ani?"
My voice shook.
"As if blaming me for your carelessness.
Losing your child wasn't enough."
Memories flooded back.
Pain and guilt.
Anissa's gaze dropped.
"Clyde, stop. Please."
Clyde's face softened.
"Ani, we need to talk."
Aunt Sophie composed herself.
"Let's get Rhodes home."
As they left, tension lingered.
Clyde's expression turned stoic.
Anissa's voice trembled.
"Clyde, tell me the truth."
Her eyes pleaded.
"Do you still love Dahlia?"
Clyde's silence hung heavy.
Anissa's words spilled out.
"I know about your past.
Your dad's command.
Our arranged marriage."
Tears streamed down her face.
"You never cared me.. I thought that's just how you were, distant.. but I see the way you treat her"
Clyde's gaze dropped.
Anissa's voice cracked.
"Did you ever.. ever .. love me?"
Clyde's quiet admission.
"Yes, Ani. I still love Dahlia."
Anissa's body shook.
Sobs wracked her frame.
"I lost my child."
Her voice barely audible.
"Can't handle more lies."
Clyde's words cut deep.
Anissa's eyes emptied.
She turned, disappearing upstairs.
Clyde's gaze followed.
Torment etched on his face.