“Ah…”
I paused. She paused. With a gust of wind, the storefront windows rattled. I was aware of my tepid response, and I was aware of my silence. But, there was nothing else I could think of to say.
Her smile lightened. “Not to, you know, bring it up all of a sudden, but I couldn’t help but notice.”
Jane was not a friend I wanted to hide from either. Someone I deeply respected. A childhood friend. A companion. The only family I have. If not her, then who else in the world could I confide with? Sophia already knows. It had been years since I talked to her. If I kept Jane in the dark, what kind of person would I be? Who could I trust, and who could trust me?
“Are you all right, Elisa?”
Sitting back, I sighed, keeping my gaze down in front of her.
“No, not really.”
She suddenly grew concerned, leaning forward. “What’s the matter?”
“Well… There’s something wrong going on at the cottage.”
“Something wrong, you say?”
“… It’s… hard to explain.”
I did not immediately elaborate. Jane waited in silence. Giving me space, she receded, her fingers subtly drawing into her palms. “Take your time.”
As much as I wanted to, deliberating with her sitting right there, waiting, made the experience even more excruciating. I needed more time to think, by myself.
“I think it would be easier if I showed you the next time you stop by.”
She nodded. “I’ll stop by today, then.”
“There’s no hurry…”
“No, but let’s get this sorted out right away, if we can,” she pressed. “No point in going through it any longer.”
“…”
“This has been going on for a while now, right? If you never told me, then it must be serious. You know, it all makes sense now, and, you know, I can’t bear to watch you go through this any further! Whatever it is that’s going on.”
“… Okay, then. We’ll do it today.”
Relenting, I rested my elbows again, eyes drifting back to the storefront. It was still raining, but not as hard as it was earlier. The storm died down to a light drizzle, barely distinguishable from indoors.
“How long has this been going for?”
“… One or two weeks now, at least. I’ve lost count.”
Nodding again, Jane did not press any further. “Well, I’ll save the rest for when I get there. I trust you’re safe, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
She turned around, giving the windows a quick glimpse. “Has the rain settled down now? Shall we set off now?”
Standing up, I slid my basket towards me and lifted it off the counter, sighing. “Seems manageable now.”
Outside, it was becoming brighter. Still no signs of the sun, but the clouds were certainly not as dark and broody. The rain was hardly noticeable anymore. Were it not for the pitter patter it made on my umbrella, I wouldn’t notice it. The air became a tepid mist, no longer as cool and refreshing as before.
There were a few other people on the streets. None of them lingered, making haste just like Jane did. The brick road was still fairly wet, easy to slip. We just so happened to reach the station a few minutes before the next tram would arrive. Despite its cover, we were the only ones there.
“What about your perishables?” I asked.
“I can drop them off at my place real quick, then run on over. I’m just a stop before yours, after all, so I’m sure I can catch up.”
I tried to laugh. “It’s not a race.”
“I’m not making one,” she smiled faintly. “Just… I don’t want to dawdle.”
“Honestly, I’m not in danger.”
“Can I borrow your umbrella for the moment?” She gave it a shake by the handle, some droplets beading off.
“Yes, go ahead.”