Chapter 5
San Francisco, CA - 2022
Halona sank into the couch, soothed by the glittering lights reflecting on the bay. The familiar sight tugged at something deep within her, a remnant of another life. Outside, the vibrant city pulsed with energy, but to Halona, it felt alien and overwhelming.
She pressed her palm against the cool window, seeking connection. "I should feel at home," she murmured, her breath fogging the glass.
The living room, bathed in the soft glow of a single lamp, felt like her only sanctuary. An unsettling anxiety gnawed at her insides, making her skin prickle.
Damian's words from earlier echoed in her mind. "Your entire estate was frozen during your disappearance," he had explained, his voice tinged with frustration. "We've managed to unfreeze some assets, including the house, but it's been a bureaucratic nightmare."
Halona's bare feet made soft padding sounds as she moved across the cold marble floor to the kitchen. The chill seeped into her bones, grounding her in the present moment. She rummaged through the grocery delivery, the rustle of paper bags seeming unnaturally loud in the quiet house.
Suddenly, a wave of disorientation washed over her. Halona gripped the edge of the counter, her knuckles turning white. "This isn't right," she whispered, her voice shaky. "Nothing feels right."
The memory of Sydney's supportive presence during the house cleaning lingered. Halona had bitten back the selfish urge to beg her friend to stay. "You've got a life in New York," she had said instead, forcing a smile. "I'll be fine."
Halona found herself alone, her hand shaking as she reached for the vodka bottle nestled in the freezer. The initial sip scorched her throat, but the second glided down with ease. A fleeting thought - that this was a terrible idea - flashed through her mind, yet she took another long swallow anyway.