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'Alice!'
The young woman turned at the relieved calling of her name. A familiar lady in blue reached her quickly through the throbbing crowds of the London dock, halting only when the two were inches apart.
'Mother?' Watching with the air of an enchanted stranger, Alice Kingsleigh's lips quirked up as her mother reached for her cheek, fondly stroking the dark circles that lingered beneath her eyes. The increased crinkle at the edges of her own eyes spoke of Ms Kingsleigh's advancing age.
'You're still too pale,' accused Ms Kingsleigh, frowning. 'They've neglected you,'
'Not at all, Mother,' Alice answered, finally. 'Work—'
'Oh, bother to that,' interrupted the lady, releasing Alice's pallid cheek and smiling. 'No talk of work, love. You're home now.'
Turning, Ms Kingsleigh caught Alice's hand in two of her own, linking their arms and leading her daughter towards the main street. A hansom waited, apparently for the two women, and Alice's luggage, such that it was, was shortly loaded on top.
'Your Aunt Imogen is staying a while,' Ms Kingsleigh informed Alice as they settled inside. Her smile became melancholic. 'I've been glad for her company, sad though it is. I'm certain your appearance will perk her up.' The carriage set off with a jerk. 'Your room is ready for you,' she continued, trailing off at the familiar way Alice's gaze settled glassily out the window.
Alice was already ensconced within her own world, wishing for some reprieve from restless nights. Gone were the recurring dreams of her girlhood. Gone, but replaced by newer, perhaps sinister dreams, filled with ticking, a constant sense of urgency, and dizzying eddies of colour. Always converging into the same green pools that watched. Waited.
Such dreams, emerging three years ago, were surely malignant. Coming home meant an escape.
She hoped.
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