The Fault Dwells In Our Stars

the soft illumination of the TV casting flickering shadows across her face. A bowl of mildly salted popcorn sat on the c

ence. She blinked, surprised, and laid the bowl bac

.

en; there was Belle and Leonard, and I felt a thrill

rily blinding me. With a worried expression on his face, Leonard stood there, and Bel

ed, I hadn't opened the door for days. And I w

k on you. Since everything arose, you ha

s, it has been a busy day, but

hem. Belle scowled as she

what? Why are you locking yourself i

he lights, casting a coz

r gaze now focused on

th a gentle smile. "I was

stack of mail. "This came in for

eir eyes on my back as I walked to the kitchen table, and shuffled through the letters absently. One let

my heart rate increased. My fingers shaking, I

ng back at me, in i

re aware of

I knew my true name had been exposed, it was still unsettling to see i

ading with my

o stay a secret. Otherwise, her identity and where

the gut. But the photo insid

side her house, captured in a candid moment. She looked peaceful, totally oblivious to knowing that

t my chest, hoping to contain everything so it wouldn't leak out. The air

he silence with her voice.

. I couldn't involve anyone. My mother had lived her life in the shadows

w furrowed in concern. "Ms. Izal

ars meticulously crafting my public life to protect my private one. My mother had liv

et them. I could feel the tension rising, the silence deepen

.." Belle's voice be

rmly in my hands. "I... I need a moment." M

turned and left them standing in the living room, their anxiety lingering in the a

y, but each time it went to voicemail. I le

call me when

have, and I was overcome with fear. Desperate, I called my pri

his voice sleepy yet alert. "Miss Benson

"I need you. Now." My v

"I'll be there in

in closet. The room was still, dimly lit by the soft glow of the closet

mething simple a

re picking a basic black j

tely, trying to keep my mind on the task at hand

e I got dressed, but o

to my mother b

th a few items. I couldn't waste time. I tossed the bag over my shoulder and returned to the

When Belle noticed the ba

n a distant, clipped voice. I couldn't afford to discuss

Leonard appeared to want to dispute.

lutely. "This is something

urned and walked out the door, the photo a

as I walked outside, my black

oor for me. Still reeling from the note, I looked out

hey wanted something from me and were wi

ot let th