21

Night had fallen, and the last rays of sunlight had long faded. Angela and Guy dragged their feet, their exhaustion visible with every step, their heads bowed under the weight of fatigue. A frail voice called out to them, "Hey, young ones."

Lost in their own thoughts, neither of them noticed.

"Young ones!" the voice repeated, louder this time.

Startled, they both turned their heads in unison, still holding hands.

"Are you talking to us?" Angela asked, her tone polite but surprised.

"Looking for a place to stay?" the old woman inquired, her eyes keen despite her age.

"Yes," Angela answered. "We're headed to the tent camp up ahead."

The woman shook her head slowly. "You're going the wrong way. The camp's in the opposite direction. If you're aiming for the one in the center, it's far-far too far to reach on foot tonight."

Guy blinked in astonishment. "Wait-there's a camp here? In this area?"

"Of course!" The woman chuckled lightly. "Didn't you know?"

"Absolutely not," Angela exclaimed. "Thank you so much! You've just saved us a long walk!"

"And my aching legs thank you even more," Guy added with heartfelt gratitude. "I was wondering how we'd ever make it."

The woman gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Oh, don't mention it. I've seen weariness like yours before. It wasn't much to ask."

She paused, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Besides, you haven't heard the best part yet."

Angela and Guy exchanged puzzled glances.

"Our family had a tent there, but when my grandchildren arrived and offered me a place to stay with them, I no longer needed it. So, if you hurry, you just might find it's still empty."

Angela's eyes lit up. "Oh, my God! That's exactly what we need!"

"If anyone asks, just tell them N.G. sent you," the woman added with a wink.

"Angie?" Angela echoed, amused. "That's funny-I'm Angie too! Well, actually Angela. It's lovely to meet you, N.G."

Guy stood beside her, a smile spreading across his face as he watched their exchange.

They thanked the woman profusely before setting off in the new direction, a renewed sense of hope quickening their pace.

Before long, they reached the tent camp near Angela's old neighborhood. Sure enough, a vacant tent stood waiting-but the officials were hesitant to hand it over, insisting on consulting their list of assignments.

"But this tent belonged to my Aunt N.G.," Angela explained with quiet persistence. "She wanted us to stay here. Could you please check her name on the list?"

The mention of a prior occupant seemed to sway the official. With a nod, they agreed to let Angela and Guy stay. They handed each of them a sleeping bag and a blanket before pointing out the tent.

Inside, the shelter was simple and white, empty except for the few comforts they had just received. The cold was biting, so they shed their shoes and jackets, climbed into their sleeping bags, and pulled the blankets up to their heads. As they looked at each other, smiles began to form.

Despite the simplicity of the space, a sense of calm filled the tent. They had found shelter, they were together, and for tonight, that was enough. And even though there might be tremors during the night, with no tall buildings nearby, they had nothing to worry about.."

Brrrr, it's so cold," Angela said.

"Yes, unfortunately,' Guy mumbled, his breath visible in the air, forming a small cloud before dissipating into the cold night. He glanced at Angela, his words lingering in the chill, "but Angie, at least we found a place to stay. Hopefully, we'll warm up soon."

"Yes, my love," Angela murmured.

As soon as she said those words, both of them hesitated. Angela wondered if she had said something wrong. Guy wasn't sure how he should respond-whether he should say the same or not. But eventually, looking into Angela's eyes, he repeated the words, as if they were magical when spoken aloud.

They were so exhausted that one of them-whether Angela or Guy-would feel their eyes fluttering shut, only to open again briefly, as if trying to hold on to the last moments of wakefulness. But in the stillness of the night, as they lay facing each other, their eyes grew heavier, the warmth of the blankets and the comfort of each other's presence easing them into sleep. Finally, with a soft, shared smile still lingering on their lips, both of them drifted off, as if the world outside no longer mattered.