She laid the groceries neatly on the kitchen slab, ready to put in the fridge. Just then, the ramen packet fell to the floor. She bent to pick it up, but it fell again. With a sigh, she picked it once more, only for it to fall yet again. Irritated, she left it where it lay and continued putting the other items into the fridge. Finally, she snatched the stubborn packet and set it back on the slab before leaving the kitchen. She did not notice that an unseen force had pushed it to the ground.
"Babe???" she called out
"In here" his voice rang from her studio.
She slowly climbed the stairs, hesitated at the doorway.
"Come in." he said
"I will just stay here" she replied, her hand tightening on the door frame. She glanced at the laptop resting on the table. The memory of the strange events tied to it lingered like a shadow in her mind. She hadn't dared to touch the laptop since. She knew she couldn't avoid it forever, her work needs to be completed as the deadline is fast approaching.
"If you are hungry, there is ramen in the kitchen" she calls out, pulling the door shut behind her before descending the stairs.
She enters the room and stripped naked for a quick shower. The tub had already been prepared before she went up to the attic. She dipped her finger into the water to test its warmth. Satisfied with the temperature, she sinks into the tub. Soaking in the tub was a soothing place for her. The warm water wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. Beside her, the phone played soft music, its melodies drifting through the room. She let her eyelids fall shut, surrendering to the quiet for a few minutes. When she opened them again, Alex was there, his presence steady and concerned.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of worry.
She met his gaze, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, I am fine. Just…lost in thoughts of my parents," she replied, her tone tender, almost wistful.
"You don't talk about them much," he said softly, almost hesitant.
Her gaze drifted towards the ceiling, as though the answer might be written there. "It's hard," she admitted. "They are gone, but sometimes I feel they are still here, watching me. I don't know if that is comforting or haunting."
Alex reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against her hand resting on the rim.
"Maybe it's both," he murmured. "But it means they mattered, and you still carry them with you."
"Let's get you warm up before you catch a cold" he said, carrying her gently from to the tub to the bed.
He placed her on the bed as he goes into her wardrobe to get her some clothes.
"Here," he handed her some clothes. "Let me get some food" With that, he dashed into the kitchen.
"Babe!!!!" he called out.
"Yes!!!!" she replied.
"Did you drop the ramen packet? it is scattered all over the floor," he said, as he lunges forward to pack the scattered mess.
"No, i didn't. This is what i keep telling you. Strange things occur."
"This is not about strange things," he replied. "You might have dropped it when you were arranging the rest."
"That is the problem. You don't always believe me." she said as she stormed out of the kitchen.
He followed quickly. "I am sorry, i do believe you. Don't worry, i will stay with you." he pulled her towards the couch. After making sure she was okay, he went into the kitchen to prepare some ramen.
The ramen was ready. Alex carried two bowls into the sitting room.
"Here," he said, handing one to her.
She took it with a small smile. He picked up the remote and flipped through channels until a movie trailer caught his attention.
They ate in comfortable silence.
When they were done, she gathered the empty bowls and took them to the kitchen. By the time she returned, the movie had started, already drifting into a soft romantic scene. She settled beside him and leaned into his side, seeking warmth.
The movie stretched on for two hours.
"That was a good one," Alex said with a light laugh. "I liked the romantic part."
There was no response.
He glanced down and realized she had fallen asleep. Shaking his head with a faint smile, he gently removed the quilt from her, carried her to the bedroom, and laid her carefully on the bed. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, tucked her in, and switched off the bedside lamp.
Then he returned to the sitting room to continue watching.
"Mira… Mira…"
Her eyes snapped open.
The room was dark. Quiet. Too quiet.
There hadn't been a power outage.
"Who's there? Alex?" she called, her voice barely steady.
Silence.
Her heart began to race. She reached around the bed, searching for her phone, but found nothing. Then it hit her. She had left it in the sitting room.
Carefully, she got up and made her way through the darkness, her hands guiding her along the walls and furniture. Every small sound felt louder than it should.
She reached the table. Her fingers brushed against her phone. Quickly, she switched on the torch.
The beam of light cut through the darkness and landed on Alex, fast asleep on the couch.
She exhaled and walked over, nudging him gently.
"Why are you sleeping here?" she asked softly.
He stirred, blinking. "I must have fallen asleep while watching. What's wrong?"
"I heard someone calling my name… I thought it was you."
He frowned slightly. "I didn't call you. I was asleep."
He sat up, pulling her closer. "We're the only ones here. It must have been a dream."
She hesitated, then nodded slowly.
"Come on," he said gently. "Let's go back to bed."
They returned to the room and lay down together, her body pressing close to his for comfort.
But this time, sleep didn't come as easily.