RUMBLE
The sound of the clouds rumbling startled Akeno but Gracie didn't even seem to flinch. Her hand still extended to grab the plate in Akeno's hand.
Their eyes met, Gracie's amber eyes were dull and Akeno had seemed to notice the quiet movements of her lip.
What should I do? Hm, why is she acting like this? Should I ask her?
Gracie's hand reached for the plate grip just with her fingers though it wasn't weak.
Is she trying to snatch it from me?
Even though they were looking into each other's eyes they had no connections.
"G–Gracie. Are you okay…?"
As if Gracie just fell back to her senses, eyes widened and lips apart. She blinks as if shaking off a dream.
"... Sorry, what did you just ask?"
Akeno's eyes widened just a bit, a small step back and a deep breath. When she did Gracie's grip tightened.
"Gracie… Are you okay?" Tilts her head a little to the right to where Gracie was scratching her neck.
Seeing Akeno Gracie too tilts her head to the left to match Akeno's as her hand again goes to cup the same area she'd been scratching.
She nods without blinking. "I'm okay. No worries." Smiles, though it felt off.
RUMBLE
Another signal from the skies. This time neither of them flinched nor blinked. Sensing the silence Gracie cleared her throat.
"You heard that? It means a strom is on the way so could you, let me do it?" Snatched it from Akeno's hand and resulted in the spoon falling.
"I'll get that." Akeno crouched to pick it up but Gracie stepped between them and got it herself.
Gently smiles, "Akeno, you should get some rest. It's not… Good to work right after eating."
Akeno was still crouched below as Gracie adds, "You should rest. Really. Let me do it, I don't want to strain your foot."
Saying that Gracie hurriedly walks to the kitchen dropping the plate into the sink with a clatter.
Her grip was tight on the counter. She just stood there with her eyes open yet her vision was blurry.
She placed her head over her chest as her breath quickened, she pats her chest trying to calm herself. Breathing was rushed and uneven.
Ishouldn't breathe through my mouth. No.
Yet by instinct and the need of air she huffed.
Calm down. Calm down Gracie.
Thud
The back of her hand crashed onto her chest. She coughed, and rubs her hand on it. Trying to be gentle. She pinched her nose and breathed through her mouth.
"For how long was I holding it?" whispers to herself. Breaths out.
"Miss Alina…"
Back to Akeno. Sitting on the couch, her silk robe on her lap. "Gracie… She was biting her lip while she smiled." Her voice was silent, almost unheard except for herself.
Akeno leans back and hugs her knees. "Something must've happened up there. The noises were clear. Maybe, between Gracie and her… Mistress. Alina."
The rain started tapping on the windows. Rumble. Another clashing of the clouds. This time, it was less loud. A bit of silence.
Akeno's hand ran through the burnt edges of the silk robe. It had darkened over time.
"How did that happen?" She spread it over on the couch. And takes out a handkerchief and just holds it.
Ma…
Those eyes. I've seen them. Before… Mom had those same ones. There were times I couldn't feel her gaze on me. Even though I could see myself in her pupils.
She rubbed her right eye.
No. I don't want to remember that. I've already decided what to do in my upcoming days this afternoon.
An hour ago
Sitting on the grass outside the cottage looking far at the stretched plains, dense forest, foggy mountains and fast moving clouds.
Ineed to think what to do now? I don't think I can go back to ma. Right?
Sighs. "First of all. My foot. Then… What?"
She bites her right hand index finger and left hand thumb.
"Maybe return to the… No! That's the worse idea–"
Her eyes wander around. "But ma… She might still be there. Waiting. Or not… But I'll also risk getting caught." She bit her finger harder until there was a mark on them.
"She'd be alone if I didn't return. But, she may also be disappointed to see me."
The cold air rushes through her and makes her sneeze.
Sneeze
Another.
Sneeze
Another.
Sneeze
Her nose starts running. Her hand goes to her right hip. But nothing. "Hm? Oh, the handkerchief must've been in the robe."
She sighs and rubs her nose by the sleeves of her current outfit. The mucus of her nose sticks on her sleeves and nose. She had to rub it off with her index finger.
"Gross"
Rubs it on her dirt. Looking at the mucus stain sleeves, "I'll wash it… I have nothing else to wear though… Would Gracie?"
"But what kind of clothes she may have…? I never had anything fancy to begin with…" pouts. "The only other one was my mother's…"
Back to present
Rumble. Rain tapping.
The mucus stain had hardened and she was trying to scrap it off by her pinky finger.
Would she still be out there?