Chapter 8

She decided to go early for the grocery but due to her assignments she couldn't leave home. "I need to finish it. I can't keep procrastinating," She thought. Professor Samuels had already warned them if they wanted to excel in their fields they should make sure to work on daily assignments. Giving final touches to the work Amelia closed the laptop took her jacket and hurried to the grocery store few blocks away.

She normally didn't take much time on scrutinizing the products but after getting into a medical school she had become more conscious of the things they were consuming. Organic food was becoming rare and she was getting more aware about the effects of processed food on their immunity. It often made her sad that how they were ruining their health by destroying their eating habits. She wouldn't leave the product's labeling unread before buying. After careful selection of goods, she returned to the counter, paid the money and left. During the shopping she didn't realize that the night had gotten dark and she was late.

She normally walked to the grocery store. It would give her a chance to ponder upon the day's activities and move her body simultaneously. The streets were unusually empty and silent that night. Where are the folks? She thought. It must be very late. She looked at her watch. 8:30 pm. She moved with hurried strides. The only sound she could hear was her own footsteps. They echoed in the empty streets.

When she took turn to her block she felt as if somebody was following her. She turned around to see who it was but the shadow had disappeared in the blink of an eye. Her heart began to beat heavily and she ran as fast as she could to cover the little distance that was left to her door. She did not see anyone but she was sure that someone was following her. She immediately closed the door behind her. "Why are you shivering?" Her mother ran to her. "I thought somebody was after me." She said with bated breaths. Her throat was so dry that she barely uttered a word. They had moved to that house after her admission to the medical school. And that too with David's request. She was fortunate enough to win scholarship for that prestigious institute. It gave them opportunity to shift to a suitable place. And David had already made sure they shift to his neighborhood. Partly because he sensed that they were alone and vulnerable. Secondly, he wouldn't have to go far to see her. Also, that area was nearer to the medical school.

Amelia's goals were defined. She wanted to be in a better place. Her efforts and hard work were directed towards her goals. She wanted to give her mother a chance to live in better conditions. At least it was something she thought her mother deserved. Besides, her scholarship that she rightfully earned she had impressed people with her genius mind and acumen. The spark that her mother had seen many years ago was becoming visible to the world around her.

Gianna was scared to see Amelia terrified. She couldn't take more risks to put her daughter's life in danger. "What did you see? Who was following you? Let me call police?" Just as she moved her hand forward to pick up the phone placed on the table, Amelia held it and motioned to stop. "Mom there was no one. It was just my suspicion. You don't need to worry about me." Gianna released her hand and reached to hug her. "You have to be very careful sweetie. You never know what kind of dangers loom around. Gifted people often bring perils along." She wasn't sure how to explain. But could only manage to say "Be careful, sweetie". Amelia nodded but didn't know what to make of her mother's advice. She was engrossed in her own world of fears and misconceptions. Life suddenly seemed long and exhausting and they didn't know what was waiting for them. "I shall be careful Mom." She said absently.