Bubbles of coal

At first, I thought about rushing to his house to see what was really happening. But I stopped myself—Kent would never cheat on me. With my hands clenched around the steering wheel, I pressed harder on the accelerator.

When I reached the office, I avoided everyone’s eyes, heading straight for my desk without a single greeting to my colleagues or the customers in sight. I didn’t even spare a glance at Miss Penelope’s door.

Gertrude,my colleague, came over.

“What’s with that look today?” she asked.

"Nothing".

Gertrude shock her head in disbelief.

"I don't believe. I have known you too well. I know when you having a bad day, beside-" She stared at her wrist watch. " - you came in late for work today. Earlier on, Miss Penelope asked why you ain't at work yet"."

"Emmm", I gently placed my hand on my head, feeling a bit docile.

"I had a rought morning Jasmine. What did she say anyway?"

Gertrude stared at me attentively. 

"You are nervous, I can see. Anyway, she is not in her office. She left a couple of hours ago"

Hearing that, gave me a little relief.

"Well, okay. Has she said anything about her daughter?"

"What? " Gertrude was confused. A customer was coming towards us with a black paperback.

" What I meant,-" I wad tapping my fingers on my desk. "- was if Tina has showed up here or traveled back".

"No." Gertrude replied. Shifting her attention from me to the customer that was approaching her. 

" I got work to do girl, I believe you do too. That reminds me, a middle aged man came looking for you earlier today"

That was strange. It was a surprise to me that someine came looking for me. No kne knows where i worked even my parents don't know except Kent.

"I would be paying for this" the customer showed Gertrude the book, she was in her late sixties and wriggly. She held an expensive silver handbag.

"Ma'am, this book on lease only." Jasmine told her, showing the elderly woman the book tag. "You can't buy it from us"

"Did he say who he was?" I asked gently, trying not to distract  Gertrude attention. 

"Yes.. ummm. He said he was Serbian by name. That was all" Gertrude then turned to the customer. "Please follow me ma'am to my desk."

Hearing that name, sent shivers to my bone. How did Serbian found out where I was working? Has he come to murder me like I did his son?.. What happened to his son was an accident, I had to defend myself.

I knew was I no longer safe, not only at the bookstore but anywhere. Serbian had definitely come hunting for me. I need to make plans to stay in hiding while I strike him first before he does.

Later that day, just before closing, Miss Penelope came in and I decided to tell her everything—everything except the wolf part and Lysterr' death, only told her I was having a family issue that needed my attention. She had always been one of the most humble and understanding people I’d ever known. After working with her for seven years, she knew I wasn’t the kind of person to make excuses. With genuine concern, she reassured me that I could take a day or two to handle whatever personal matters I was dealing with. She even offered to help, but I declined, simply asking for some time off. She agreed right away, without hesitation. I was overjoyed.

"Thanks so much Miss Penelope"

"Don't mention" She replied clutching her handbag. "Just make sure you fix yourself together, okay. I need you at work as your former self."

"Will do ma'am"

"Okay. You and Gertrude may lock the bookstore later. I am off to see Tina"

"Okay. Please send my regards to her. Tell her I would love to see her"

"Sure, I will" Miss Penelope locker her office and left in a haste. while I stood at the entrance of her door.

Arriving my apartment, I saw a white envelope at my door. I hesitated for a moment, who could it be? I wondered. Summoning courage, I picked it up. Whoever I am not afraid of them. I tore the seal and stared at the content of the paper. It was written in blood, with determination and threat:"

"I KNOW WHAT YOU DID,

 REMEMBER YOUR FATHER IS STILL WITH ME."