Who: Laura (narrative) What: A brief stop When: Early evening, Friday, October 18, 2019 Where: The Bakery and the path to the residential area Rating: Low Status: Complete
Laura had told Meg she’d close up the shop so that the other woman could leave work a little early. Meg spent far more time working at the shop, so Laura thought it was the least she could do. After the last customer left for the night, the petite brunette cleaned the shop, top to bottom, so that it would be sparkling when the owner returned in the morning. By the time she was finished, it was getting dark. Locking up the store behind her, Laura pulled her sweater around her growing belly and started the trek home. At six months pregnant, it was nearly impossible to hide things now, so she just did her best to go about her business.
Making her way out of the Marketplace area, Laura waved goodnight to a few of the other proprietors. In the last few weeks, she’d worked hard to be more social and make friends, or at least more acquaintances around the island. It still didn’t come natural to her, and she worried that it wouldn’t be enough to get her family back home. But she was trying her best, and she hoped it would make Caspian proud of her. Smiling faintly at the thought of her husband, Laura headed toward home.
Distracted, she didn’t hear the sound of footsteps behind her. But when she felt a hand grab her elbow. Laura returned back to the present moment and stopped short, looking to the source. A uniformed guard held onto her arm just tight enough to keep her still, without causing any pain or damage. Tensing, Laura tried to pull free and a second guard came to her other side but did not touch her.
“Mrs. Finn, we’ve heard that you haven’t yet sought prenatal treatment at the Facility.” The second guard was the one to speak, his tone gentle and polite despite his expression remaining flat. “A baby is a blessing for your family, I’m sure you are hoping for a healthy new addition.”
Laura tried to pull her arm free again as she looked to the speaker. “It’s… very kind of you to be concerned. I’ll make an appointment first thing in the morning, I’m sure there’s no one there to see me now.” The hold on her arm was released, but the guards did not depart. Watching them warily, Laura rubbed her arm where the man’s hand had held her.
The guards looked at each other and then took a step back from her, allowing her to go.
Taking a deep breath, Laura gave them each a small, anxious smile. “Thank you again for your concern, I really appreciate it.” Turning back to her path, Laura began walking again, her pace a bit quicker now. They did not follow, but that didn’t make her feel any more at ease. If she could have run, she would have, but instead she walked as fast as she could until she made it to the house. Moving inside quickly, she locked the door behind her and took a deep breath. Trying to keep her panic from overwhelming her, she took a few deep breaths before heading upstairs to lie down and calm herself.