Safe

Val's breaths came in short, panicked bursts as she recounted the unsettling scene from downstairs to her husband. Despite her trembling voice, her gaze remained locked on his. He rose abruptly, his complexion ashen, yet his eyes held a firm resolve.

"That's unfortunate," he murmured, seemingly to himself, as he approached a coat rack near the door to don his heavy jacket. "You're safe here; I'll go get this all settled."

Her relief at his reassurance was palpable, but as he headed for the door, her anxiety surged anew. "Where are you going?!" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"To talk to Travis and get the Sheriff," he responded, as though it were the most natural course of action.

"Then take me with you!" She demanded.

Thomas sighed with annoyance.

Val swiftly positioned herself between him and the door, her plea laden with fear, "Please don't leave me."

He tenderly cradled her face, his thumb gently wiping away a tear, and reassured her, "If there is danger I'd rather me face it alone then bring you into it. Look, I'm the only one with a key to this office. Lock the door behind me, and I'll return once I know it's safe."

Taking a deep breath, Val steadied herself, her resolve firming as she held his gaze. "You have to come back," she implored, her voice steady.

He paused, a soft smile flickering across his face as he looked into her eyes. "Val, honey, I understand your scared, but I'll be fine," he promised, reaching for the doorknob.

Her voice, barely a whisper, carried the weight of her next words, "I'm not just scared. I'm pregnant."

The revelation halted him; his hand fell away from the doorknob as he processed her words amidst the distant backdrop of the factory's hum.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice laden with emotion, "That's all the more reason for me to do this."

Meeting her gaze once more, he enveloped her in a tender embrace, his kiss on her forehead a blend of reassurance and goodbye.

With a final look of resolve, he opened the door and stepped out, leaving Val alone with her thoughts and the soft click of the door sealing her in.