Chapter 6- Relief

After I was done at the hospital Abigail and Tom took me home. Charles' car was waiting in the driveway. “Oh no,” I breathed. “Just drop me off here. If he sees আপনি with me he'll know I told আপনি and it will only be worse than it will for me not being here. Thank আপনি both for your help,”I smiled gratefully and sprinted back to my house. I smiled back at Tom who look angry, sad and slightly amused that I could still run as fast as always. The whole time I was running I was praying that somehow Charles wouldn't be angry with me.

I opened the door slowly and slipped inside. “That had better be আপনি Esme,” I heard Charles call from the front room.

“Yes, it's me,” I ব্যক্ত walking into the room.

“Where in the world have আপনি been?” he asked pushing me back into the sofa.

“I was visiting some friends, they called and wanted me to come over and visit, we got carried away catching up,” I lied quickly. My fear was causing my brain to work faster than it usually would.

He seemed to not know how to respond to that. “That's no excuse,” he whispered finally. “I have important news,” he looked at me then he sat পরবর্তি to me, and much to my surprise, he gently grabbed my hand. “Esme. I've been drafted into the army,” he told me looking directly into my eyes.

“Oh, really?” I asked not knowing whether I should be happy for him অথবা sad for him.

“Yes,” he smiled. That told me to be happy. One of his very rare smiles.

“Congratulations,” I smiled. I didn't know how, but I was truly happy for him. How was it possible to be so kind to a man who had been so... cruel and uncaring? “When are আপনি going to be deployed?” I asked.

“Next month. September 4th,” he was beaming. He was a completely different person today and that was what scared me the most.