Natalia rushed back to her berth and locked the door behind her. She leaned against the door, breathing erratically. The woman’s words reverberated in her ears, rendering her more and more restless. Where she went out in search of peace, but she ended up becoming more anxious.
Tears finally escaped her eyes. She covered her mouth with her palm, fearing that somebody could hear her sob.
Ding-dong…
Natalia flinched at the loud sound of the doorbell. She hastily wiped her tears away and opened the door.
“Mummy…” Jonathan exclaimed, hugging her, “I enjoyed it a lot today. Grandpa has promised to take me horseback riding this afternoon."
Natalia mustered a smile, “That’s so much fun.”
“Yeh, yeh, yeh…” Jonathan began to squeal with delight.
Natalia laughed, forgetting the pain in her heart.
“I saw you go out. Have you been to the local marketplace?" Oscar asked as he came in and took his seat on the sofa.