Evelyn held William's hand tightly as they made their way along the soggy terrain. The rain from the previous night had left the ground uneven and slippery, and though Evelyn tried to mask her nervousness, the treacherous path made her anxious. "Be careful, brother. Hold my hand and follow my lead," she urged, her voice steady but soft.
William smiled, his usual enthusiasm shining through despite the challenge. "You're the younger sister, Evelyn. I should be protecting you," he said confidently, taking the lead and helping her navigate the tricky spots. Evelyn couldn't help but smile at his determination, her cold hand gradually warming in his strong grip.
Alex walked ahead of them, his steps purposeful as he carried the baskets of harvest produce for the villagers. His broad shoulders seemed to bear more than the physical weight; there was a quiet tension about him, as though his mind was far away, lost in thoughts he wasn't ready to share.
The village was alive with activity, even in the morning light. The houses they passed seemed to tell stories of their own, each one reflecting a mix of traditions and cultures. Some homes had wide, flat courtyards where elders gathered to talk, their laughter and animated gestures bringing life to the scene. Others had elevated wooden porches with stairs leading up, decorated with carved railings and colorful potted plants. The variety was a testament to the village's history as an ancient port, a melting pot of different cultures brought by traders and travelers.
The scent of saltwater mingled with the earthy aroma of wet soil, a reminder of the sea that bordered one side of the village. On the other side, the mountains loomed, their peaks shrouded in mist. This unique geography made the village a haven for both locals and tourists, and today, both groups were bustling about in preparation for the Christmas feast.
Alex finally stopped in front of a large, weathered house. Its wooden beams were darkened with age, and the stone steps leading to the front door were slick from the rain. As Evelyn and William approached, a few villagers turned to look, their conversations pausing.
"Oh! Alex has come with his new wife!" exclaimed an elderly woman with sparkling eyes. She hurried over to Alex, her wrinkled hands reaching out to clasp his.
Alex gave her a respectful nod. "Yes, Grandma Catherine. This is my wife, Evelyn, and my brother-in-law, William," he said, his tone neutral but polite. He placed a hand lightly on Evelyn's back, nudging her forward.
Catherine's face lit up with warmth as she turned her attention to Evelyn. Her gray hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her lined face carried an expression of kindness that immediately put Evelyn at ease. "What a lovely young lady. And such a handsome brother!" she said, her voice full of genuine affection.
Evelyn managed a shy smile. "Thank you, Grandma," she said softly, the endearment slipping out naturally. The older woman's warmth reminded her of her own grandmother, and her chest tightened with emotion.
"Come, child, sit here," Catherine said, guiding Evelyn and William to a shaded spot with chairs. "You must be tired after the walk." She looked over her shoulder at Alex. "Don't worry, I'll take care of your wife and brother-in-law. You go on and talk to Danny. He's been waiting for you since yesterday."
Alex hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering to Evelyn. She caught the slight nod he gave her, a silent promise to return soon. Then he turned and walked away, his strides purposeful as he headed toward another part of the village.
As Evelyn settled into her seat, she glanced around, taking in the preparations for the evening's celebration. Several villagers were busy decorating the house with strings of lights and colorful ribbons, while others stirred large pots over open fires, the aroma of spices wafting through the air.
William, meanwhile, was happily chatting with Catherine, his natural charm shining through. Evelyn watched him with a mix of affection and admiration. Despite the challenges he had faced growing up with dyslexia, William had always carried himself with a positive spirit, and his ability to connect with people was something she deeply admired.
However, Evelyn's moment of peace was interrupted when she noticed a woman standing nearby, her sharp gaze fixed on her. The woman appeared to be around Alex's age, with striking features and an air of confidence. But her expression was far from welcoming; her eyes seemed to pierce through Evelyn, filled with something between disdain and curiosity.
Before Evelyn could look away, the woman walked toward her with purposeful strides. Her expression shifted as she got closer, her features softening into something more vulnerable. Evelyn felt a strange pang of concern as she saw tears brimming in the woman's eyes.
"Are you Alex's wife?" the woman asked, her voice trembling as if she were holding back a flood of emotions.
Evelyn nodded, her brow furrowing in worry. "Yes, I am. And you are?"
The woman hesitated, her hands trembling as she reached out to clasp Evelyn's. "Can I talk with you alone?" she asked, her tone pleading. Evelyn felt a jolt of surprise at the request but couldn't bring herself to refuse.
Seeing the exchange, Catherine stood up and placed a reassuring hand on the woman's shoulder. "No hard feelings, Yona," she said gently, before turning to William. "Come, young man. I'll borrow your brother for a bit and put him to work. You ladies can talk."
Catherine led William away, leaving Evelyn with the mysterious woman. Evelyn watched her brother go, his cheerful demeanor as bright as ever, before turning back to Yona. The woman's hands were still shaking, and her eyes were filled with a sorrow that seemed impossible to ignore.
Yona's vulnerability struck a chord in Evelyn. She wasn't sure what this woman's connection to Alex was, but she didn't seem like a bad person. Her sadness was too genuine, too raw. Without a word, Evelyn nodded and followed her.
As they walked away from the bustling preparations, Evelyn's mind raced with questions. Who was Yona? And why did her presence make Evelyn's chest tighten with unease?
TO BE CONTINUED....