Once Upon A Puppet

MIRROR REFLECTION

Theodora walked into her office. The smell of it hadn't changed. Her office plants were, surprisingly, alive too. She took a look at them and smiled to herself. Ms. Brown had been doing her job well. She sat at her desk looking through case files. There were no appointments for today she just wanted to organize her files. Although this too was the job for her assistant she did it herself nonetheless.

"Good Morning ma'am" the young assistant greeted her.

"Good Morning Ella." She had her professional smile on.

"It's great to finally see you."

"I am happy to be back indeed. How are your studies going? I hope my sudden break wasn't much trouble."

"Oh, no.. not at all. I had all the time to myself. How is miss Winters."

"She is fine." Theodora pursed her lips.

"I see... Would you like your morning tea?"

"Yes please."

Ella left the office and Theodora got busy signing the files. Later that afternoon, a blizzard warning was announced and Theodora phoned home to inform Anne.

"Ma'am you should get going before the storm gets rough," Ella said as she placed the second cup of tea. It was late afternoon but it was dark, very dark for that.

Theodora looked out the window. "It's no use I'll be caught up... you know it's a half an hour drive to my town."

"That is true... if you don't mind then I'd like to stay here as well." Ella said looking out the window.

"It's exam season, right? You would want to study peacefully. It's alright I'll leave, as soon as the weather gets better. You should really go home."

"Would you be needing anything else?"

"no... Call it a day. Best of luck with the exams. Stay safe."

"Alright ma'am, good-bye."

Ella left the room. Theodora too had put the files away and was quietly sipping her tea. Ella picked up her books from her little corner and Theodora heard as she stepped outside, closing the door behind her. After finishing her tea, Theodora slowly got up to lock the door that leads to the street outside. She had just locked the door when a knock came. It must be someone escaping the storm.But as she opened the door, she knew that someone was precisely looking for her. Her face hardened.

"Mrs. Lawrence?" Theodora raised a brow.

"Hello, theo, how do you do?"

"Not a good time for me to have visitors, ma'am."

"I just need to have a word."

Theodora let out a sigh and moved aside, gesturing the woman to come in ...locking the door behind. "Have a seat. Coffee or tea?""Just a few words." Mrs. Lawrence replied.

"Tea it is." Theodora slackens her brows.

"He messaged." Mrs. Lawrence let out a deep sigh. "He said he had decided to take the case."

"I told you to tell him not to interfere in my family business." Theodora's knuckles went white as she fisted her hands.

"I tried but..."

"If you couldn't deliver the message nicely he must see me say it harshly to his face."

"Look what if it's helpful."

"I don't care. My family must not be involved in court matters. Anne is in no state to be involved in some investigation."

"I know... but maybe this will help Anne...."

"Do not involve her in this." Theodora's anger was visible.

"I am sorry theo... but I trust my husband."

"I trust my wit. If there's no way you are going to leave his side then I must stay by my niece's as well."

The lightning lit the sky. Outside, the sky was darker than the night itself. The office light flickered. There was just Theodora in her office now. Her migraine was worse than ever. She slumped back in her office chair and closed her eyes. Sleep took over. A dreamless sleep. Like it has always been since... The snowflakes danced in the wind. Early winter snow.