Chapter 23: Impossible in This Lifetime
As Miles and Coral approached the ornate front gate of an affluent residential district, a sophisticated middle-aged woman advanced toward them. Her face contorted with a mix of relief and annoyance at Coral’s arrival.
“Coral,” she sighed, her irritation softening into joy, “you remember how to come home?”
She laid into Coral about being unreachable all night, their fear and worry. Threatening to report her missing, Coral’s mother, Mrs. Ocean, reproached her.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Coral apologized, her head lowered, “there was a situation at school.”
Coral’s mother nods in understanding, shifting her attention now to Miles. “And who might this be?” she asked, with a hint of suspicion.
“This is Miles, Mom, my classmate,” Coral responded, reminding her mother of their previous encounter.
With a dismissive wave, Mrs. Ocean claimed she couldn’t possibly remember all of Coral’s classmates, her eyes scrutinizing Miles.
Miles greeted her, politely suggesting that he would now take his leave and perhaps return for a visit later, eager to defuse the situation and move on.
“Hold on,” Mrs. Ocean interjected, halting him, her suspicions still piqued. She wanted to know why Coral was only just returning home and if Miles had anything to do with it.