“Nate…”
“Hmm.”
“Are you gay?” I question.
Nate lets out a chuckle under his breath.
“Nah…”
“But you and Mike?”
“I don’t know what it is. It just happens in the heat of the moment. I’m not going to label it as anything. We are completely in love and devoted to you. I can’t speak for Mike. I don’t know. I am just sexually attracted to him. It’s just fun…I guess.” he explains awkwardly. He then leans his head on my knee, looking at the sunrise.
“I’m not judging you, Nate. To be honest, it’s a turn-on.”
I gently touch my hand on his head, running my fingers through his hair.
Together, we sit in silence watching the sunrise, the chorus of birdsong growing louder with each passing moment. The air is alive with the sounds of nature.
We all approach the main house. The warmth of the sun on our skin brings a sense of comfort and tranquility. Walking hand in hand with Mike, I feel a sense of ease settling over me, the worries of the morning fading away. As we reach for the door, our mood shifts abruptly when we find it locked. Confusion clouds my thoughts as I try the handle again.
“Is Amara in?” Nate’s voice breaks the silence.
“No, it’s her day off,” I reply, my confusion growing with each passing moment.
Sensing something amiss, Mike peers through the high glass panel in the door, his expression darkening as he mutters a curse under his breath.
“What?” I ask, my voice tinged with worry.
“Step back, Tessie,” Mike demands, his tone urgent.
Before I can react, Nate grabs my arm and pulls me back, a sense of foreboding settling over me like a dark cloud. And then, with a sudden burst of strength, Mike shoulders the door, but it refuses to budge.
In a desperate attempt, Cain kicks the door with all his might. With a loud crash, it swings open, revealing a scene that sends a chill down my spine. My nan lies face down on the floor near the stairs.
“NAN!” I cry out, my heart pounding in my chest as I rush forward, only to be held back by Nate’s firm grip.
Cain rushes to her side, his voice trembling with fear as he calls out her name. “Mavis…”
I struggle against Nate’s hold, the panic rising within me, threatening to consume me whole.
Cain touches her; his expression darkens and tears fill his eyes. I know at that moment my nan is dead.
I scream and I collapse into Nate’s arms, the weight of the moment crashing down upon me. Tears stream down my cheeks. I mourn the loss of my beloved nan, the reality of the situation sinking in with each passing moment.
I cry out to Nate, seeing the pain reflected in his eyes. He shares a silent exchange with Cain, and with a solemn nod, they both understand what needs to be done.
With trembling hands, I push Nate away, the tears streaming down my face, blurring my vision. Every step towards my nan feels like an eternity. As I approach her body, it feels as though a black hole is consuming me from within.
With shaking hands, I reach out to touch her, my fingers trembling as they brush against her cold skin. Time seems to stand still in that moment, the world falling away. I lay beside her, holding her cold, stiff hand.
I turn to Nate; desperation is evident in my eyes. I cling to a glimmer of hope, praying for some miracle to bring my nan back to me. “Can we do anything to save her...Like CPR?” I plead, my voice trembling with anguish.
Nate’s eyes fill with tears as he places a comforting hand on my back. “She’s gone, baby,” he murmurs softly, his words heavy with sorrow.
With a heavy heart, I watch as Nate and Mike kneel beside me. Cain leaves the room to call an ambulance.
I turn to gaze upon my nan’s peaceful body, her face serene in death. She looks like an angel and at peace.
Cain re-enters the room. His words about the ambulance’s imminent arrival hang over me with dread.
“How do you think she died?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I think she fell down the stairs,” Mike responds softly.
I sit up with a whimper, tears streaming down my face as I struggle to come to terms with the suddenness of her passing.
“What will happen when the ambulance comes?” I ask, my voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.
“They will take her body away,” Mike replies quietly, his words like a dagger to my heart.
The thought of her being taken away from us, her presence forever lost to the cold embrace of death, shatters me.
“I don’t want them to take her away,” I whisper, my voice choking with tears.
In that moment of raw vulnerability, Cain joins us on the floor, his arms open wide to offer me comfort and solace. With a sob, I collapse into his embrace. He strokes my head with infinite tenderness.
