Echoes of the unsaid

he low sound of an ancient radio playing quiet jazz blended with the aroma of tea being b

she filled two chipped mugs with boiling water. The tension in

gently as she placed he

eyes gleamed with a mixt

as she continued, "Yo

ldn't look into th

and looked directly in

t became of Dad.

rumpled, but she immediately c

rous errors. It's not worth pursuing

e I'm afraid? I've spent my entire life in f

ed up in Ra

turn before morning and gave you a good-night kiss. Then nothing. No phone calls. No

head away. "It can g

ht ruin you. The ensuing quiet was thick with unsaid suffering. The note in her

A letter. There is someone who

gripped the tabl

to get involved. You will endanger not only me but also yo

give a damn.

ce with worn paint and mismatched seats that served as the ideal haven from th

ble." She forced

Maya, I'm concerned about you. You're becoming consum

into his s

ife anticipating answers that may never mater

e that you will e

the air. With her hands buried in her coat, she walked swiftly. She sensed that there was a person beh

side alley. The man didn't stop as he went by, but he did dump something i

figure in shadow, with just half of his face illuminated, stood behind him.Later, that same face reappeared in her dreams: storm-gray eyes, a silen

beneath her door. Never put your trust in anyone. Not even your nearest and de

as once more on her mind. It wasn't until the chilly night encir

ng, when her phone vibrated once more. After hesitating,

hey haven't been able to hide me, Maya, if you're viewing this. Don't trust a

er buried; it was breathing down her neck, and