ELISE
When I woke up in the morning, for a few seconds I didn't know where I was.
Then everything came back.
Noah's house.
That deal.
I slowly got up. I felt better. got ready and stepped out of the room.
I walked down the stairs.
On the first floor, I was greeted by a massive living room—high ceilings, large windows letting in the morning light. The walls were in warm tones, but the details were expensive… refined. A large cream-colored couch stood in the center, with a glass table in front of it. A bookshelf in the corner, and a fireplace on the other side.
Everything… perfectly arranged.
So different from my world.
I noticed the kitchen door and walked in.
"Good morning," I said, a little shyly.
Eva and Jane were there. They both looked at me.
"Good morning, dear," Eva smiled. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did… thank you."
"Would you like breakfast?"
I thought for a moment, then nodded.
"That would be nice."
I sat at the table. Eva made an omelet. I don't know why… but being around her calms me.
She sat next to me.
"I have so many questions for you," she said with a smile, "but Noah told me not to ask anything."
I laughed.
"He seems strict."
"More like… caring," she murmured, smiling in a strange way.
I looked at her.
"Are you Noah's mother?"
"No," she laughed, "but sometimes it feels like I am."
She paused for a moment.
"I've been working here for 14 years. Noah's parents died in a car accident three years ago."
"I'm sorry…"
"Don't be so formal," she gently interrupted. "Just call me Eva."
I smiled.
"Okay, Eva."
"After breakfast, I'll show you around the house."
***
House… it felt more like a villa.
On the second floor, there were several bedrooms—each with a different style, but equally luxurious. One had large windows overlooking the garden. Another had a small library.
Downstairs, besides the living room, there was an office, a bar, the kitchen, a dining room, and two bedrooms—for Eva and Jane.
We went outside.
My breath caught.
A large garden… perfectly trimmed grass, flowers, trees.
A fountain in the middle.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Eva asked.
"Very…"
"All of this was Noah's mother's work. I just take care of it."
Behind the house was a large pool. A few swings and a space for barbecue.
After the tour, I went back to my room. I didn't want to get in their way.
Noah hadn't shown up.
In the evening, Eva and Jane came in again.
With more bags.
"This is too much," I said when I saw swimsuits and shoes.
"Noah's 'order,'" Eva laughed.
I rolled my eyes.
"Where is Noah?" I asked without thinking.
Eva hesitated for a moment.
"He left the city for a few days."
So… I'll have a few peaceful days, I thought.
***
I stood by the kitchen door for a few seconds, unmoving.
Inside, Eva and Jane were busy.
And I just stood there, not knowing if I was allowed to walk in… like I belonged there.
It's been five days since I arrived.
Five days of uncertainty… waiting for someone to tell me what to do.
Noah still hasn't returned.
I hope he's not preparing some unpleasant surprise for me…
I walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning…" I said quietly.
Eva immediately turned and smiled.
"Good morning, Elise."
Her smile was so warm… like she was genuinely happy to see me.
I slowly walked closer to the table, watching them prepare breakfast.
"Eva…" I started hesitantly, "can I help with something?"
Jane looked at me, surprised. Eva smiled softly.
"No, dear. You're a guest."
That word again.
Guest.
My chest tightened.
"But… I don't do anything all day. It feels… uncomfortable."
"There's nothing uncomfortable about it," Eva said calmly. "Your job is to rest."
"Rest…" I repeated quietly.
I didn't know how to rest.
When you've spent your whole life fighting, peace feels… unnatural.
I took a few steps forward and reached for a plate.
Eva immediately came closer and gently took my hand.
"Elise, no. Please."
I froze.
"Why?" I finally asked.
Silence filled the room for a moment.
"Because it's better this way," she said calmly.
"For who?" I asked directly.
It wasn't curiosity anymore.
I needed to know—what I was in this house.
Eva slowly sat down and gestured for me to sit too.
I hesitated, then sat down.
"It's hard, isn't it?" she said suddenly.
"What?"
"When you don't know where you belong."
I looked at her, surprised.
She was right.
I didn't answer.
"You're not a servant," she continued. "And you're not just… someone temporary."
"Then what am I?" I asked quietly.
Eva was silent for a few seconds.
"That's a question you should ask Noah."
My heart skipped.
Her words sounded simple… but they weren't.
"I want to do something," I said finally. "I can't just sit around. It feels like… I owe something."
Eva stood up slowly and placed a plate in front of me.
"Eat. That's also a kind of help," she said with a smile. "Taking care of yourself."
I couldn't help but smile slightly.
But inside… there was still no peace.
***
It's been six days.
Noah still hasn't shown up.
I can't stay like this anymore.
I decided to go outside.
I got ready. Took jeans and a white t-shirt from the wardrobe. White sneakers.brushed my hair and left the room.
I went downstairs, looking for Eva—I wanted to tell her I was going out—but she wasn't anywhere.
They're probably out shopping, I thought, and left the house.
The yard looked even more beautiful in the morning. The sound of the fountain… calm.
I opened the gate and stepped outside.
A long, quiet street. Large houses. Clean air.
Freedom…felt strange.And a little scary.
It took me almost an hour to reach the city center.
Everything was different here.Noise. People. Cars.Life.
There were many shops and cafés. I noticed a large park nearby.
It was my first time alone in a place this crowded.
I got so lost in everything around me… I forgot everything else.It felt like another world.
I think I went too far…
It was hot. I hadn't had any water. I felt weak from hunger.I didn't have money either.
I had to go back.
I passed the same place several times.I was clearly walking in circles.
I didn't even know the address to ask for directions.
It was already getting late.
I realized it had been a bad idea to come out alone.
I tried to remember the way I came.
Finally, I found the road leading back.
Half an hour more… I told myself.
I walked through the gate. felt exhausted.hungry. thirsty.
As I got closer to the house, I heard Noah's voice.He was shouting at someone.
He's back… —my peaceful days were over.
I stepped inside.
"Elise!" Eva noticed me immediately. "Where were you? You scared me!"
I didn't get the chance to answer.Noah walked up to me and grabbed my arm.
"Where were you?" he asked sharply. "Who gave you permission to go out?"
"I just went for a walk. I didn't know I was under house arrest."
"A walk?" he repeated sarcastically. "For eight hours?"
"Let go, that hurts," I said, trying to pull away—but he tightened his grip.
"Noah…" I heard Eva's voice.
I already felt terrible—and now it got worse.
Suddenly, everything started spinning.
Darkness closed in.
And I blacked out.