Chapter 83 Visiting mom
Alina’s small car hummed gently as it wound through the narrow Black Leaf Forest road. The tall, shadowy trees rose up on both sides like dark sentinels, but they didn’t feel nearly as frightening as they had the first day she’d arrived.
The wheels crunched over fallen leaves, and every now and then a streak of sunlight broke through the canopy, landing on her dashboard like tiny threads of gold. She gripped the wheel loosely, a soft, dreamy smile curving her lips. They chose me, she thought, her heart skipping all over again. They really chose me.
Her eyes sparkled when she remembered Boo’s tiny ghost hug, Drake’s loud promise, Rocky’s shy squeak, Lucian’s quiet nod. Even Felix’s little shrug. I’m their teacher, she told herself. Not just for the trial but for real.
She turned the heater on a bit more, the forest’s early evening chill brushing the window. For the first time, the forest road didn’t feel like it was swallowing her whole.. it felt gentle, calm.
The dark trees no longer seemed like claws, but more like tall, watchful guardians.
She slowed slightly at a bend, glancing at the time on the dashboard clock. I’ll visit Mom first, she decided, her chest tightening with a warm, tender ache. Tell her I got the stable job... maybe bring her something sweet.
Her fingers drummed on the steering wheel as she planned. Maybe I’ll stay in that cheap little hotel near the hospital tonight.
As her headlights broke through the last line of trees, the forest opened up to the small lights of town in the distance. Alina felt her shoulders relax. Even the shadows felt softer tonight like they were waving her goodbye.
***
Alina parked her car carefully outside the hospital, her fingers tapping the steering wheel for a moment as she gathered herself. She reached over and picked up the small bundle she’d prepared — her mother’s favorite chocolate box tied with a soft ribbon, a tiny bouquet of fresh flowers she’d chosen from the stall near the bus stop, and a small, sweet-smelling hand cream from the hospital shop.