LIGHT IN DARKNESS

By Tessa Harvey 



CHAPTER FOUR

Simone was dreaming. She saw her mother in church with her sister and younger brother. They looked peaceful and happy. In the dream, she was apart - she did not belong.

She woke up, and that feeling of not belonging persisted, filling her mouth with a sour taste. She needed a drink, but there was none near her. Reaching out, she fell off the low bed and then rummaged among the discarded jeans and lost socks. Nothing. Groaning, she pulled herself up.

"Gavin," she mumbled, "I need a drink." There was no answer. The young woman forced her eyes to focus. Daylight was streaming in, half-blinding her. She squeezed her eyes shut, then slowly re-opened them. With a shock, the realisation sank in, Gavin was not there - nor were any of his possessions. "I'm dreaming still," she murmured. "He's just gone out."

A sudden thought brought her up short. Money! Running to the dingy dresser, she rifled through the drawers. Nothing! Gavin had gone, taken all the money she had painstakingly saved for the rent and a few groceries. Gavin was not supposed to know where it was hidden.

He must have sneaked around when she was out to it. Her head slumped into her hands. Suddenly, she felt nauseous and raced to the bathroom.

Later she tried to wash and dress. Gulping water, feeling slightly better, Simone decided to go out. Perhaps she would find a little work. Anything.

Then she heard footsteps on the stairs, a harsh clicking tread and a pair of much heavier footsteps. She froze with fear.


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