As the conversation flowed, Aiden asked, "Mr. Jenkins, how do you manage to keep this ce running so smoothly? I mean, there''s hectares of farnd and then this lodge? How do you manage without losing sight of the primary function of this ce?"


    I noticed I''d been staring too long at the side of his face. I looked away in time for Mr. Jenkins to answer this question.


    He chuckled, "Well, it''s a team effort, but my son, Alex, is a huge help. He''s away for a few days, but he usually lends a hand with tasks around the lodge."


    Aiden pressed on, "I''d love to meet him. What''s he doing now?"


    The man beamed with pride, his face wrinkling in a fine disy of the years he''d spent adventuring. "He''s off on a camping trip with some friends. He''s a great kid, always eager to help out.”


    As the discussion became more rowdy, with everyoneughing and joking. I nced at my watch and realized it was time to call Amie. I excused myself, saying, "Sorry, guys, but I need to make a quick call." I felt Aiden''s eyes follow me out and I fought the impulse to return his gaze.


    As I stepped outside into the crisp evening air, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.


    The peacefulness of the surroundings was a wee respite from the chaos of the day''s events and a stark contrast to the tumultuous feelings that had been raging inside since the incident with that creep. I took a deep breath, savoring the moment, before dialing Amie''s number. I realized I''d missed her more than I thought I did. I yearned to hear her gentle voice. Call it homesickness.


    her in their hands


    It rang many times but there was no reply. I tried a few more times before giving up with a mental note to callter. I hated to have to think that those nurses were incapable after entrus despite them promising to ensure her safety.


    As I walked back into the dining space, the warmth I felt set me at instant ease. My daughter was doing fine, just away from her phone, I muttered in constion.


    I caught Rachel''s eyes from across the table, her eyebrows raised in question. I shook my head with a smile, mouthing an ''OK'' while indicating with my fingers.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    A little while after, most of us set to retire to bed, bidding one another goodnight while some remained,te sleepers perhaps.


    As I walked to my room, I felt weariness seeping into the core of my being like a fast spreading virus. The events of the day had left me feeling drained, and all I wanted was to crawl into bed and forget about everything.


    I didn''t notice Aiden standing in the hallway until we almost collided. He caught my arm, steadying me and I felt a jolt of electricity travelling up and down that spot of contact.


    He withdrew his hand immediately, taking away the warmth that came with it and leaving goosebumps in its wake. "Sorry about that."


    "It''s fine." I found myself surprising myself for the second time in one day.


    #


    I was bothered about my reactions, taken aback by his show of concern. If this were a few weeks ago, I would have snapped at him, told him I could handle everything on my own,


    But now? I could only nod and smile, as vulnerability wrapped around me like a cloak. Especially when there was the lingering thoughts of him swooping in before I got molested.


    I felt a lump form in the back of my throat. "Thank you for earlier. I really appreciate it."


    He nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No problem, Ana. I''m just d I was there to help. Are you facing any troubles or need anything?"


    "Not really," my voice was barely above a whisper. "I''ll be on my way."


    But he fell into step beside me. I was too tired to put up a fight so together, we walked in silence, our footsteps echoing down the hallway. I couldn''t help but steal nces at him, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the lights.


    We reached my door, and I turned to him, feeling grateful for this thoughtfulness.


    "It''s no hassle for me. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate, Anastasia."


    I nodded.


    We stood there for a moment, words unspoken waiting to be heard, the tension between us palpable and stretching. Then he smiled and turned without another word, disappearing into the darkness of the hallways.


    With shaky fingers, I decided to call Amie''s phone only to be met with a prerecorded message of the caller not answering. Impatient for my daughter, I dialled repeatedly. It was the nurse who picked on my


    fourth trial.


    "Hi, Ana. I was doing my rounds and just saw your call. Amie is asleep now, is it urgent?*


    "No. Not at all. I just want to check on her, see if she isn''t giving you any troubles."


    "Oh, she''s just perfect. Can you call in the morning?*


    "I will. Thank you." That piece of information seemed to calm me and I went to bed feeling quite satisfied. My day ended well.


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