Knowing Jenny wasn’t returning anytime soon and not knowing when Carol would be made me feel anything but comfortable around Brynn. I kept trying to assure myself that what I had was just a dream, but I couldn’t shake the unease.
Brynn left me alone as I showered and tried to lose myself in a book. I kept glancing at my phone, hoping for a message. Nothing. The app said Carol had last been online early that morning.
Feeling helpless, I eventually killed the lights and double-checked the phone volume.
Tomorrow was Saturday. I decided that if she didn’t return overnight, I’d call the station to verify whether she’d gone to Kodiak.
I listened. A faint sliver of light glowed under the door. Brynn was still awake.
As much as I wished for sleep, I was too restless—too worried about Carol, and too worried about myself.
Eventually, the lights went out. My body tensed even more, imagining Brynn coming into the room.
Don’t be silly, I told myself. Women rarely do such things.
Still, I mentally scolded myself and tried to relax.
When morning came, I awoke relieved not to remember any dreams.
See, I told myself. You were just being silly.
I sat up and looked at Carol’s side of the bed.
Still empty.
ns216.73.217.39da2
and then Add to home screen.