The Ties that Bind

Chapter 9 | Eclipse

The next morning was especially chilly but the sun peeking over the horizon looked warm enough to jog the neighbourhood. She was up early, surprisingly energised and wanted to get a feel of her surroundings, scope out the neighbours and breathe some fresh morning air. 

Selene dialled Cassie's number before she left but she didn't answer. She must be sleeping, Selene thought. Although, it wasn't like Cassie to miss their jogging sessions. Especially after they promised each other they'd stick to it after Selene moved and she said she'd be up.

Oh well, she thought as she tightened her sneaker laces, she deserves a sleep in.

She pulled on her feather down vest over top over a long sleeve black shirt. She paired it with black leggings that had a pocket in the side where she could slip her phone in and out with ease.

Rosie pawed at her bedroom door and when she opened it, her white ears perked up and her tail began wagging furiously.

"You wanna go walk? Walkies, Rosie?" she bent down and kissed her little head five times. Rosie followed her excitedly through the house.

The door to Thomas' bedroom was closed meaning he was still asleep. 

Selene checked her smartwatch. 6:17am. She set a stopwatch for ten minutes. She'd run in one direction for ten minutes, and then run in another direction for ten minutes before making her way back. A forty minute jog, and oftentimes a walk, to start her day off right. 

A chill bit at her nose as she stepped out of the house. Rosie's collar rattled as she shook out her fur and followed diligently beside Selene as they walked off the porch and onto the sidewalk.

Breathing out a frosted breath, she started the stopwatch and settled herself into a small jog. A sign close by said Waterlake St. Her neighbours gardens and lawns were immaculate and obviously loved and tended to regularly. Selene thought about putting some flowers in their garden to brighten up the place but knew nothing of gardening.

She discovered their block consisted of a few houses clustered close together to make it feel like it was a part of the village but the start of town was a ten minute brisk walk from her house with wooded area in between.

Selene paused, breathing hard as she looked through the forest. She could see the other side, a mile in front of her. The thought of bears crossed her mind once again and she shook the uneasy feeling off. "Come on, Rosie." 

They crossed through the trees, along a clear man-made walkway. It fenced the path from the forest but offered little protection if something were to attack her. She looked down at Rosie who looked back at her expectantly. As long as she was calm. When she first came to them she would jump at every sound. It was a good indicator for unwanted surprises. Like a raccoon in the trash can or a strange man.

She made it to town safely and stopped off at the grocery store. 

Total eclipse of the heart by Bonnie Tyler played quietly over the speakers and a small stout elderly woman manned the counter. Her ombre glasses were too big for her face and she was missing the bottom row of her false teeth. A few people came and went, ignoring Selene entirely which she was pleased about. At least she wasn't going to be stopped everywhere she went.

"Need any help?" she rasped from the counter, "Be sure to let me know."

"Thank you," Selene smiled and continued on her way. She brought the essentials, milk, bread and butter. Various vegetables. Dog treats for Rosie, who sat calmly in the cart on Selene's jacket. She decided she'd make dinner for her and Thomas. A pasta of some sort, perhaps a roast chicken.