As I basked in the warm embrace of the morning sun, its golden rays gently nudging me awake, I couldn't shake the faint tendrils of last night's indulgence. With a groggy yet curious hand, I reached for my phone, messages, emails, missed calls—all clamoured for attention, but amidst the digital clamour, one name stood out like a beacon in the storm: Shane. His message, a delicate symphony of concern and warmth, danced across the screen.
Shane
Sorry I left this morning without saying," it began, a whisper of apology. "I didn't want to disturb you. I've gone into work but there's freshly brewed coffee in the kitchen and my spare key on the coffee table.
Shane's kindness, a soothing balm to the jagged edges of my tumultuous life, enveloped me like a comforting embrace. He was my respite, my sanctuary in a world fraught with uncertainty. With a grateful sigh, I typed out a response, fingers dancing across the screen in silent appreciation.
Casey
Why are you so good to me? Thank you for everything.
But amidst the tender exchange with Shane, a reminder of obligations loomed large—a missed call from Mum, a message laden with concern.
Mum
Is everything okay, Case? Had a missed call from you last night? Also, i've arranged for a party planner to come look at your place next Monday if that's okay?
She needs to see what she's working with to sort the decorations. Love you let me know you're okay.
The engagement party—the looming spectre of celebration amidst the chaos of my life—beckoned, a reminder of duties yet unfulfilled. With a heavy heart, I made the decision to reach out, to grasp at the fragile threads of normalcy amidst the storm. Dialling Mum's number, I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions and concerns. "Hello?" Chris' voice, a familiar echo of the past, greeted me on the other end. "Oh, hi Chris, is Mum there?" I inquired, a note of uncertainty colouring my words. "She's just in a meeting with the caterer for the party," Chris replied, his voice a steady anchor amidst the tumult. "Thank you again for letting us have it at your place." A pang of guilt washed over me—a fleeting reminder of the obligations I carried, even in the darkest of times. "It's okay," I reassured him, the words a whispered promise of solidarity. "Could you tell Mum to call me back when she can? I need to speak to her about something?" "Of course," Chris replied, his voice a steady reassurance. "I'll get her to call you once she's done here." As I hung up the phone, a sense of gratitude washed over me—a silent acknowledgment of the bonds that held me, even in the darkest of times. Chris, with his quiet strength and unwavering support, was a beacon of hope amidst the storm—a reminder that, no matter how dark the night, dawn would always break.
As I reflected on my conversation with Chris, memories flooded back like an old, cherished melody. Chris, with his imposing stature and the quiet confidence of someone who had seen it all, stood out like a sentinel in the chaos of my life. His role as head of security for a prestigious firm seemed almost predestined, his very presence a reassurance in uncertain times. I remembered the countless occasions when Chris had lent a listening ear, his advice a beacon of wisdom in a world fraught with confusion. Whether it was navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence or weathering the storms of adulthood, Chris had always been there, a steadfast pillar of support. As I reflected on my conversation with Chris, memories flooded back like an old, cherished melody. Chris, with his imposing stature and the quiet confidence of someone who had seen it all, stood out like a sentinel in the chaos of my life. His role as head of security for a prestigious firm seemed almost predestined, his very presence a reassurance in uncertain times. I remembered the countless occasions when Chris had lent a listening ear, his advice a beacon of wisdom in a world fraught with confusion. Whether it was navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence or weathering the storms of adulthood, Chris had always been there, a steadfast pillar of support.
As I read Sarah's message, a wave of understanding washed over me.
Sarah
Sorry I missed your call last night, Alfie was blowing up my phone so I had to put it on silent.
Determined to catch up with both Sarah and Georgia, I seized the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. With nimble fingers, I crafted a message and sent it off to our group.
Casey
Heyy guys, Sorry to worry you with the late calls last night. I'm okay, don't worry. I do need to catch you both up with some stuff though, so how about going out for a coffee?
Georgia's response was swift, her eagerness palpable even through the confines of a text message.
Georgia
Yes! Will have to be after work around 4 though?
Casey
Good for me! Sarah?"
Sarah
I'll be there!
Just as I was about to delve into the depths of my inbox, my phone erupted into a symphony of light and sound—a private number flashing ominously on the screen. "Hello?" I ventured, silence greeted me on the other end—a void of sound that seemed to swallow me whole. "Hello?" I tried again, desperation creeping into my voice.But still, there was no response—only the deafening silence of an unanswered call.
Frustration bubbling within me, I ended the call, only to be met with a new message—a message again from a private number, its contents shrouded in mystery. With a furrowed brow, I opened the message, a sense of foreboding settling over me like a heavy shroud.
Unknown
Have I finally got your attention? Slapper.
YOU ARE READING
Tragic Ties
RomanceCasey, a young woman recently sacked from her job, crosses paths with a charismatic and enigmatic stranger who quickly becomes a pivotal figure in her life. Their unexpected connection leads Casey down an unpredictable path filled with excitement, n...
