Kaia laughed. "Scientific cultivation isn't exactly a walk in the park."
Just as she spoke, the weather took a violent turn. Heavy, leaden clouds rolled in fast, suffocating the sky and plunging the farm into darkness. The local technicians, eager to beat the storm home, hastily packed up and waved their goodbyes. Scanning the threatening sky, Kaia turned to Laura. "If it gets too bad, we might have to crash here for the night."
Laura grinned. "I wouldn't mind roughing it in the country for a night. I'm just worried you won't be able to handle it, Dr. Chavez."
Kaia gave a soft smile. "I'll be fine. I just hope we don't freeze."
Laura nodded. "Good point. Let me go check if there are any beds upstairs."
The second they reached the upper floor, massive raindrops began hammering the metal roof of the greenhouse, creating a deafening roar. In an instant, the world outside was swallowed by a blinding curtain of rain.
Kaia hugged her arms across her chest, pulling her black puffer jacket tighter as she stared out the window. The silhouettes of the distant mountains and nearby trees were entirely erased, replaced by nothing but thrashing wind and torrential rain.
The herb farm was a new build, nestled deep in a valley. The dirt road out front had already transformed into a rushing creek.
Her phone buzzed. It was Marcus. "Kaia, are you still up on the mountain? Don't try to drive down. I just got a call from the local coordinator. The bridge about fifteen miles out got completely washed away. The road is impassable. Do not try to leave."
Kaia checked the time. It was already seven o'clock, and the sky was pitch-black.
"Uncle Marcus, it looks like I'm spending the night here," Kaia told him. "I'll head back tomorrow. Are there any alternate routes down?"
"There are, but who knows if the rain will even let up by tomorrow," he replied. "Just stay put. Check the kitchen—there's rice in the cupboards and fresh vegetables in the back. Just throw something together for tonight."
"Got it. Thanks, Uncle. We'll reassess tomorrow once the rain stops."
Hanging up, she turned to see Laura jogging over. "Dr. Chavez, I just scoped out the kitchen. We've got rice and veggies. We definitely won't starve."
Kaia glanced at the dim, old-fashioned bulb swaying under the eaves. Yep, they weren't going anywhere tonight. She texted her mother a quick update, and Jane replied, urging her to stay warm and safe.
Just as the two were prepping to cook dinner, a pair of blinding headlights suddenly swept across the front yard.
Laura jumped. "Who on earth is driving up here this late?"
Kaia's heart skipped a beat. In weather like this, could it be someone looking for trouble?
"Grab that kitchen knife," Kaia ordered immediately. As she spoke, she snatched a heavy iron rod resting against the wall. Laura clutched the knife, her entire arm trembling violently. Oh man, we are so dead, Laura thought.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage
Please update soon. This story is good. And I'm hoping it won't go till 2000 chapters.. Although it's current slow pace is telling....