the apartment. Calista, Izalea's mother, was alerted from inside by the front door's motion detection sensor. Just as the doorbell rang, C

's arms. With a worried expression on her face, she opened the door.

fied while placing me gently on the sofa. "Despite my best efforts, I was unable t

as so focused on me. Her immediate concern was to revive. She

gently dabbed on my forehead. She slightly raised my leg to increase blood flow

lled with tears of frustration and worry. "We'll just have

ial. She shifted her attention to Dominique. "Did you get the car's pl

vering. "Yes, it was clearly in my li

nd pulled out a notebook. She gave him th

he entry, Calista's mind was immediately racing with ideas of how to find out

e me, holding my hand and whispering words of

lightheaded, my vision was blurry at first but slowly came into focus, and I

y. "Mum, I was so scared by the text messa

worried about you, especially with all the controversial comments in the m

on the way here, we were being followed. I thoug

risky for us, particularly her. She countered, "That's not possible, James

ened with fear

d us sooner than we

never hurt you. He wouldn't come after you unless he wa

years. We can't be sure of anything. A lot could have changed, and I barely rem

I worked quite hard to get the position. It pays n

y," I insisted. And you know I can

in her independence over time. She answered with disappointment, "I warned you about going int

id, frustrated. "I know something

cumstances, listened in silently. "Ma'am Izalea," he poi

e of the car's pla

cted, "I have it

. "Thank goodness. I'm not sure

connected with a police office

spicious vehicle that was fol

the plate numbe

tails," the officer responded. After a brief pause, he said, "The vehicle you mention

rise. "I was hoping

t further. Stay safe, and contact us

ooked at my mother and Dominique, my mind raci

h confusion and fear. "He couldn't provide more informati

it's better than our worst fears. Pl

will let you know. We n

on. Now, both of you, get comfortable. It is too late to driv

Always prioritized comfort, I often wore oversized t-shirts and shorts. Before

our oversized clothing came in handy today."

h chuckled as Dominique, attempting to

" I whispered

his planned. Ma'am, purple?" Domini

a short prayer. Dominique tasted the flying fish, and his eyes widened with delight. "

hing. "What?" I asked, still chuckling. "But honest

rfully. "You're alw

s well as a national favorite, Flying Fish. We continued

taking another bite. "And the cou-cou is pe

"Yes, Mum. Every bite brin

enjoying the food," my

aking the supper even more memorable. The laughter and conversations helped relieve the anxiety