CAMARADERIE TROUBLES novel Chapter 34

After the storm comes the calm. The wind normalizes, blowing gently across the earth, swaying trees and grasses as they dance seductively to celebrate the return of normalcy. The dark clouds shift, revealing clear skies, a mockery of its former state. Still, the havoc the storm wrecked remains fresh in the minds of all. The grounds are wet and water flows in torrents in gutters and canals.

Selena looked at the darkened sky from the veranda of their new apartment. Stars littered the sky, some bright, some dim. She exhaled. A movement behind her made her turn.

IK smiled at Selena as he joined her at the railings. He brushed aside her hand gently so he could see her face. “You shouldn’t be out here alone”

“I know” Selena answered shortly, staring at nothing in particular. Then she looked up at her brother. “I was scared, IK… I thought I’d never see you again”

IK was silent for a while, seeming lost in thought. “Me too, Love”

“I should have been with you”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be here if you were” IK countered.

Selena blinked, looking away. “I should have spoken to you”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be here if you had”

Selena opened her mouth and closed it. “What happened IK? Everyone stopped calling, we thought…”

IK breathed. “I was flown out of the country”