Page 69 of Checks & Bonds

Freshly scrubbed and slightly pink from the heat of the water, I looked more alive than I had in days. There was something comforting about these small rituals—things that grounded me when everything else felt like it was spinning out of control.

I took a deep breath and padded back into the bedroom, feeling slightly more prepared for whatever awaited me next.

After washing up, I headed downstairs, passing by rooms that seemed to echo with silence. The house felt like a maze sometimes—endless hallways leading to places I hadn’t yet discovered or understood.

Downstairs, the kitchen was empty too. No sign of breakfast or any sign that anyone else had been there recently. No Carmen. My stomach growled in protest, but I ignored it for now. There were other things to think about—like how to navigate another day in this unpredictable life with Henry.

I found myself wishing he were here despite everything. Wishing we could talk without all the barriers between us foronce. But he wasn’t here, and morning practice would keep him occupied for… I didn't actually know how long.

With another sigh, I decided to explore more of the house on my own terms this time—no running into walls of anger or misunderstanding if I could help it.

The library felt different in the daylight. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the shelves lined with leather-bound books. The place where I had been attacked last night seemed almost benign now, but a chill ran down my spine as I approached the spot.

I refused to let fear control me. I walked over to the table where I’d left my books, forcing myself to breathe evenly. The air smelled of old paper and dust, a scent that had once been comforting. Now, it was tinged with memories of violence.

I flipped open my notebook and began reviewing what I’d written yesterday. My handwriting looked foreign, shaky in places where Jensen’s outburst had interrupted me. But I pressed on, tracing each line with determination.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway. My heart skipped a beat, but I steeled myself, refusing to look up until Carmen’s familiar voice broke the silence.

“Morning, Miss Reynolds.”

I glanced up to see her head peeking around the doorframe, a warm smile on her face.

“Oh, Carmen,” I said, my voice sounding more relieved than I intended. “When I went downstairs earlier, I didn’t see you.”

Carmen stepped into the room, wiping her hands on a towel. “Mornings when Mr. Mathers has morning skate, I get to sleep in a bit,” she explained with a chuckle. “As long as breakfast is ready by the time he gets back because he’s ravenous after practice.”

A small smile tugged at my lips despite everything. “That makes sense.”

“I’m making pancakes and bacon today,” she continued, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. “Figured you might want something hearty."

“Thanks,” I replied softly.

She nodded and turned to leave but paused at the doorway. “If you need anything else, just holler.”

“I will,” I promised, watching as she disappeared down the hall.

I took another deep breath and returned my focus to the notebook in front of me. The words began to blur together again, but this time it was because of determination rather than fear.

I returned my focus to the notebook, forcing my thoughts to settle. Finals were looming next month, and despite the chaos surrounding me, I couldn't afford to let my grades slip. I scanned through my notes on Contract Negotiations, trying to absorb the information. The intricacies of legal language swam before my eyes, and I scribbled down key points in the margins, underlining phrases that seemed crucial.

The clock ticked steadily, a constant reminder of time slipping away. My stomach growled, a low rumble that echoed in the silent library. Ignoring it for as long as I could, I pushed through another paragraph about breach clauses and enforcement mechanisms.

Finally, hunger won out. I stood up, stretching my arms above my head until I felt the satisfying pop of my joints loosening. My muscles were stiff from sitting for so long, and I rolled my shoulders to work out the kinks.

The hallway leading to the kitchen was quieter than usual. As I approached, the scent of breakfast wafted through the air—sweet pancakes mingling with the savory aroma of sizzling bacon. My mouth watered at the thought of Carmen's cooking.

Entering the kitchen felt like stepping into a warm embrace. The rich scent of maple syrup filled my nostrils, undercut bythe salty tang of bacon grease. It was a comforting smell, one that reminded me of simpler mornings before everything had become so complicated.

Carmen stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease. She glanced over her shoulder when she heard me enter.

“Decided to join me for breakfast after all?” she asked with a knowing smile.

“Couldn’t resist,” I admitted, taking a seat at the table where a plate was already set for me.

She laughed softly and continued her work while I settled in, grateful for this brief respite from studying and everything else weighing on my mind.

The first bite of pancake melted in my mouth, buttery and sweet. Carmen really knew her way around the kitchen. I let out a contented sigh as I savored the flavors.

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