CHAPTER 16

The wind is blowing strong, and the thunder's getting louder and louder. It interrupts Mariella's sleep. She's thirsty and wants to drink water. She goes outside her bedroom and turns on the light to get some water, and ease her thirst.

"Mamma?" She's surprised to see her mother, entering the house, wearing an all black outfit, and soaking wet because of rain. Marcella throws the large and heavy bag somewhere that makes metal sound.

Mariella looks at the wet bag but she ignores it when Marcella walks on the carpeted floor and falls as if her knees weaken. She seems to space out and doesn't notice Mariella's presence.

"Mamma! What happened? Are you okay?" Mariella becomes worried. She kneels in front of Marcella who is not looking at her. "Mamma… you're burning hot." Mariella gets a bath towel and puts it around her mother's shoulder.

"I didn't know… I'm sorry." Marcella mumbles while sitting on the carpet and hugging her knees. She's shaking because of the cold.

"Mamma, please… talk