THE SENTINEL

PART TWO: THE SURPRISE

By Tessa Harvey

    They rushed over, and mindful of each other's frailty, embraced.

    "What happened, mum?" "Where were you, Sylvie. Are you ok? No-one came at night."

    Their words tangled around each other and Sylvia felt Theo hugging her around the waist. "I lost you, Sylvie," he kept saying, "and mum." Rain began to fall and Eliza took charge, trying not to offend her daughter. "Will you come home for now?" she offered, looking hesitant.

    Sylvia was shivering and feeling quite unwell. The car was not far, just in a parking lot across the busy street. They took the lift and were soon groping towards their mud-stained vehicle. It was not well-lit on the third level. Theodor crawled in the back with his sister which really touched her. He said nothing much, but kept holding her hand or sleeve as though afraid she would vanish.

    Sylvia did not know her brother had been alone so long. Nothing made sense. Her mind felt blank.

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