Warmth Feeling

Chapter 11: warmth feeling

Jane and Michael stood outside the compound, their gazes locked in silence. They stood there, not knowing what to say or do, both feeling the weight of the moment that hung between them. The soft rustling of the trees was the only sound that filled the space, a subtle reminder of how life had moved on around them while they stood in the same spot, suspended in time.

Just as the silence began to stretch longer, a voice from behind called out, breaking the stillness.

"Jane!" the voice sang out, warm and familiar. "It's Aunt Maggie!"

Startled, Jane and Michael both turned simultaneously, their eyes widening as they saw the woman approaching. Jane's face softened with recognition, and a smile tugged at her lips.

"Good evening, ma," they both greeted in unison, nodding politely.

Aunt Maggie, a woman with a presence that commanded both comfort and authority, smiled back at them. She was a middle-aged woman, her hair streaked with hints of gray, but her eyes sparkled with a liveliness that belied her years.

She glanced at Michael with a curious expression. "Who's he?" she asked, her voice filled with friendly inquiry.

Jane hesitated for a brief moment, her gaze shifting from Michael to Aunt Maggie. Then, her voice steady and grateful, she answered, "He's the man who saved me the other day."

"Oh," Maggie's expression softened, her eyes warming in understanding. "Well, come in then. We can't keep you standing out here."

She waved them inside, her tone welcoming and kind.

They all moved together into the house, and as they entered, the familiar scent of home greeted Jane—a scent of sweet cooking and comfort. Maggie led them to the sitting room, where she gestured for Michael to take a seat.

"Would you like some tea?" Maggie asked, her hospitality never faltering.

"Yes, thank you," Michael replied, his voice gentle as he sat down.

The three of them chatted lightly, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Maggie spoke of the neighborhood, of old friends and new, while Jane listened with a quiet smile. Michael, though reserved, added his thoughts now and then, his calm demeanor making him blend into the cozy atmosphere.

As the time passed, Michael's eyes drifted to his watch. The small movement caught Jane's attention, and she noticed the change in his demeanor.

"Oh," he muttered softly, checking the time. "I have to be on my way now."

His voice was quieter now, almost apologetic. He stood up, smoothing out his shirt, ready to leave.

"Thank you for the tea and the company," he added, offering a polite smile.

Maggie, though, wasn't ready to let him go just yet. She looked at Jane with a knowing expression before turning back to Michael.

"Wouldn't you see him off at least to his car?" she asked Jane, her voice light but with an undertone of encouragement.

Jane hesitated for just a moment before nodding, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. She stood up, offering a polite smile to Maggie before turning to Michael.

"Let me walk you out," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest.

Together, Jane and Michael walked toward the door, the cool evening air greeting them once more as they stepped outside. The light from the house spilled out onto the porch, casting long shadows on the ground as they made their way to Michael's car.

Neither of them spoke as they walked, but there was a quiet understanding between them—one that neither could fully explain but both could feel. At the car, Michael turned to face Jane, his eyes softening as he looked at her one last time for the evening.

"Take care, Jane," he said, his voice low and sincere.

"You too," Jane replied, her words carrying a warmth she hadn't expected to feel.

As he turned to leave, a feeling of hope blossomed within him, knowing that this was just the beginning of something beautiful

Michael opened the door of the car, but before getting in, he paused, giving her one final look. There was something unspoken in the air, something that neither of them could fully grasp, but they both knew they would remember this moment. As he slid into the car, he waved, and Jane watched him drive away, the sound of his engine fading into the distance.