Confusion and apprehension filled Naomi as she asked, "What are you doing here?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBQrCZK8SG
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Anganna's gaze remained fixed on Naomi as she replied, "I'm here to take you home like I promised to."
Naomi's eyes darted between the bulky man in the room, who held the only source of light, and the enigmatic woman before her. "Anganna, I've thought about it, and I've made a decision. I don't want to go back home. I want to stay here with Anthony."
Anganna's brow rose, a mixture of mockery and bewilderment in her expression. "I don't understand."
Anxiety welled up in Naomi, but she couldn't pinpoint the source. This was Anganna, and she believed Anganna was on her side and would never harm her so what was the source of her anxiety and fear? "There's no need for you to understand. I've decided that I'm staying here, and I don't appreciate you barging into my room and pulling this stunt. Please, just leave... and take this man with you."
Anganna's laughter lacked humor, and her smile had vanished. "I wasn't barging in. This isn't your room; you stole it from me."
Confused, Naomi furrowed her brows. "What are you talking about, Anganna?"
Another strained smile touched Anganna's face. "I'm here to take you back home, Naomi. It's for your own good."
Frustration swelled in Naomi, and she exclaimed, "I'm sick and tired of people telling me what they think is good for me. I'll do what I think is best for myself. Please, Anganna, leave."
Anganna's tone grew firm. "Naomi, it's either you come with me, the easy way or the hard way. You choose."
Anxiety coursed through Naomi as she questioned, "Are you threatening me?" She felt a presence behind her, in the silent darkness but pushed her paranoia aside.
"I wouldn't dare," Anganna replied.
"Anganna, leave," Naomi commanded. Her anxiety intensified as she sensed movement behind her. She had no clue who or what it was. She shut her eyes squeezing them to regain her composure as her heart raced, beating violently against her chest.
"Very well, the hard way it is," Anganna declared. Naomi furrowed her brow in confusion.
Suddenly, arms wrapped around Naomi's waist from behind, a shriek escaped her as a cloth covered her mouth. She struggled against her captors, but they held on tightly. As she began to slip into darkness, she heard Anganna's chilling words, "Nobody takes what is mine. Anthony belongs to me."
~~~~
Naomi's eyes felt like they were glued shut as she struggled to pry them open. A sharp pain shot through her skull, and her hand instinctively rose to her head. The bitter wind cut through her clothes, intensifying the ache in her head, and she shivered in discomfort.
The world appeared blurry as her eyes darted across the empty streets, illuminated only by the moon. In the distance, the haunting hoot of an owl echoed through the stillness. The soil beneath her seemed to claw at her bare flesh, and her tattered clothes bore evidence of pits, pats of grass, and clinging sand.
As her vision momentarily cleared, she took in the broken street lamps, the overgrown trees, and the eroded soil. Familiarity washed over her, and with a determined effort, she forced herself up, only to emit a squeal of agony as pain shot through her legs. She stumbled back to the floor, her hands landing on the scar that ran down her leg.
Slowly and cautiously, she rose once more, hopping on one leg. The odd scent of polluted air scratched violently against her nostrils, and the sight of broken-down houses etched itself into her memory.
She gasped.
A sound, a strange mix of confusion and euphoria, filled the depths of her belly with butterflies. Recognition slapped her in the face as the memorable landmarks of Helslip came into focus.
Was this a dream? Was she really back home?
She couldn't believe she was glad to inhale this polluted air, to lay eyes on the broken-down houses scattered across the eroded Helslip soil. She wiped away the clinging sand from her body.
The memory of what had taken place before remained as blurry as a foggy window. Anganna...
As the adrenaline subsided, thoughts banged on the door of her sanity. Where would she go now? Would going back to her parents be a good decision? Her mother had warned her not to return.
Naomi sighed, confused about what to do next
The moon cast long, ethereal shadows, and an eerie stillness enveloped her as she grappled with the fragmented memories of Anganna and the recent chaotic events.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbYzx5R1Uv
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The distant barking of a dog punctuated the silence, amplifying the solitude that surrounded Naomi. The polluted air whispered of a past she struggled to piece together, and the scars on her leg throbbed in pain mirroring the weary thoughts dancing in her mind.
Shivering in the cold wind, Naomi made a deliberate decision. Rather than heading home, she would seek comfort and solice from someone she trusted deeply, someone who had been a beacon of support in her past. The memories of Mama Theresa, a woman whose caring presence had offered solace, surfaced in her mind.
Mama Theresa, a motherly figure in Naomi's life, held a bond closer than blood. Yet, the shadow of Mama Theresa's husband cast a challenging veil over their interactions, making it difficult for Naomi and Mama Theresa to speak and meet freely. Despite the warmth and understanding shared between them, the presence of Mama Theresa's husband added a layer of complexity to their relationship. The unspoken tension lingered like a barrier, limiting the moments of solace and connection that Naomi sought in Ma Theresa's company191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ0KlroADd
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But she had no chose in this particular moment. Naomi could do nothing but hope that Mama Theresa's husband was not home.
With hesitant steps, Naomi navigated through the desolate streets, the sound of her footsteps echoing like a hesitant heartbeat in the night. The journey unfolded in slow motion, each step accompanied by the ghostly echoes of her uncertain thoughts.
As she approached Mama Theresa's home, the air seemed to thicken with anticipation. The flickering glow of a nearby street lamp cast a soft illumination on the weathered door, as if welcoming Naomi to a sanctuary of understanding and comfort.
She knocked gently, the sound echoing like a whisper in the still night. The door creaked open, revealing Mama Theresa's warm, understanding eyes. Tears spilled from Naomi's eyes, as the recognition of a loving caring face came into view. Without uttering a word, Naomi fell into her arms, seeking refuge from the storm of confusion that raged within her.
Mama Theresa, sensing Naomi's distress, enveloped her in a cocoon of safety, her loving arms draping lovingly over Naomi's slim figure. The scent of aged books and a hint of lavender from Mama Theresa's worn shawl offered a familiar and comforting embrace. "I knew you'd find your way back," Mama Theresa whispered, her voice a soothing melody that resonated in the quiet room.
The decision to seek solace with Theresa, rather than returning to her own home, felt like a lifeline. In the warmth of that embrace, Naomi found solace and a glimmer of understanding amidst the enigma that surrounded her.
She found a momentary respite from the whirlwind of confusion that had engulfed her.Mama Theresa gently led her inside, the creaking door closing behind them, shutting out the eerie stillness of the night.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6rzGBU8FA
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The interior of Mama Theresa's home was a haven of familiarity. Soft lamplight spilled across worn-out furniture and shelves lined with books that carried the scent of countless stories. The subtle aroma of brewing tea wafted through the air.
They settled into a cozy corner, and Mama Theresa, with a knowing look, handed Naomi a warm cup of tea. The silence lingered for a moment before Naomi, with a voice tinged with uncertainty began to speak, her voice shaking still shocked with the previous outcomes "Thank you very much"
Naomi gazed up at Mama Theresa, her eyes filled with swirling questions. "Ma Theresa, You can ask me anything you like."
Mama Theresa's smile widened as she placed her hand on Naomi's cheek. "Where have you been, Naomi? You go to the market daily, but these last few days, no one has seen you. The whole town has erupted in gossip. You've been the talk of the town."
Naomi smiled, a sorrowful curve of her lips. "Did my parents say anything?"
Mama Theresa sighed, as if burdened by the answer she knew Naomi wouldn't want to hear. "They were questioned about your whereabouts, but they said they didn't know and didn't care."
Naomi's eyes dropped as she placed the cup down onto the coffee table. "I'm not surprised."
"Naomi, where have you been?"
"They chased me out of the house," Naomi said, her eyes looking out the window to the darkness beyond. Theresa's brow rose as she gazed at Naomi. Naomi snickered, catching Mama Theresa's skeptical gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You're not telling me the whole story, Naomi."
"What do you mean?"
"Your parents said something about you running around with boys. Sarah's boy." Naomi sighed, aggravated and annoyed by the same lecture over and over again. "I warned you several times about that boy. He's not serious with his life. He runs around with many girls, and he's just using you, Naomi." Naomi rolled her eyes, and both of Theresa's brows rose. "Do not roll your eyes at me, young lady."
Naomi sighed. "I'm sorry. It's just, I'm really tired. I feel as if my whole life is being controlled. I, too, want to have a say in the things that go on in my life. James is not a bad guy; he loves me. He tells me that every single day."
Mama Theresa remained silent as she peered at Naomi.
"What now?" Naomi whined.
"I want to tell you something, but I feel as if you're not going to believe me."
"Say it; it's okay. I've been through so much already."
"I saw Anastasia with that James boy. They were kissing behind a tree at the park around Mosman Avenue."
Naomi's mouth opened in shock, tears scratching at her lids. "Anastasia. My best friend?" Mama Theresa nodded. "You're lying," Naomi accused, her words as quiet as a whisper.
"I wouldn't lie about something like this, Naomi. James doesn't love nor respect you. Stop wasting your life with him. You deserve much better."
"Stop, please. Just..." She sniffed, wiping away the snot that crawled down her nostrils. "I'm tired. I really want to sleep."
Mama Theresa smiled in understanding, nodding softly. She walked into the room and walked out of it with a blanket and pillows and gave them to Naomi. Naomi granted her a grateful smile as she laid onto the couch, and Theresa tucked her in.
Mama Theresa sat on the side of Naomi; she tucked in a strand of her hair. "Why didn't you come to me when your parents had thrown you out?"
"I was scared; I thought your husband would've been here." Mama Theresa sighed, dropping her gaze, a sad smile erupting on her face. "Has he hit you?" Naomi inquired of her.
Mama Theresa shook her head. "No. Two weeks now, and he hasn't laid a hand on me." She smiled, a smile masking her true emotions. "And yes, I've been counting."
Naomi leaned towards Mama Theresa; she removed a strand of hair from Theresa's face, revealing a bruise that had started turning purple. "I'm sorry," Naomi whispered.
Mama Theresa shook her head, placing her hand over Naomi's and removing it slowly. The bangs of hair returned to their place once more, hiding the bruise. "There's nothing to be sorry about; it's not your fault. I've made my choices, and it's led me to where I am today. But now you need to learn from my mistakes, don't repeat them. That's why I'm so hard on you with James; he doesn't show you respect, and I don't want you to end up the way I have. Find a man that treats you like a queen. That cherishes you and listens to you. But remember, for him to treat you like a queen, you need to treat him like a king." Naomi nodded, the thought of Anthony lingering in her head.
"I understand," she whispered.
Mama Theresa smiled. "Good girl." She gently squeezed her cheeks as Naomi giggled. "Don't worry; my husband won't return until tomorrow afternoon, so you can spend the night. We need to get you into new clothes. You look awful. And we need to get you fed. Okay?"
Naomi nodded. "Okay."
The hours passed, marked by shared stories and quiet contemplation. Naomi, though still faced with uncertainties, felt a renewed sense of strength and clarity. Mama Theresa's presence was a steady anchor in the storm of confusion, and Naomi began to trust that, with time, the answers she sought would reveal themselves.
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As dawn approached, casting a gentle glow through the windows, Naomi realized that, for now, she had found solace and understanding in the company of Mama Theresa.
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