Kill The Beast

Fading Illusions

Paris had become an increasingly challenging place for Katrina to reside. The memories she had once cherished with Sophie now haunted her, their weight growing unbearable, almost suffocating her every day. The inability to find justice for her dear friend was a relentless source of agony, a wound that refused to heal.

Then came the call from Sam, the faint sound of his voice carrying a mix of regret and hope. He extended an offer to reclaim her position at the hotel. It was clear that Aayaan's anger towards Sam for letting her go played a significant role in this proposition. Katrina hesitated, torn between the practicality of accepting the job and the sense of betrayal she felt towards Sophie's memory.

Paul, persistent and concerned, advocated for her to take the offer. The cost of living in Paris weighed heavily on her, and her financial situation was becoming increasingly precarious. With her final semester approaching, the pressure to succeed in her studies loomed, intensifying her inner turmoil.

As her internal turmoil reached its zenith, Katrina knew she needed a change of scenery. She made the decision to visit her mother's house, hoping to find solace and clarity amidst the familiar surroundings. Katrina packed her bags and embarked on a journey, leaving Paris behind temporarily as she sought refuge in the haven of her mother's home.

Katrina's mother, Marine, resided in Saint Denis, not far from Paris. Her home was a charming two-story French house with a quaint front porch garden. As Katrina arrived, the echoes of loud arguments and heated exchanges emanated from within the house. Such tumultuous scenes were no stranger to Katrina.

She knocked on the door, and her mother, Marine, greeted her with a mixture of surprise and warmth. With an affectionate hug, Katrina was welcomed inside. The persistent voice of Nicolas, Marine's husband, reverberated from upstairs, a frustrated plea for assistance, "Why can't I find my tie?"

Marine let out a resigned sigh and hollered back, "It was on the sofa, downstairs!"

Marine ushered Katrina inside and inquired, concern etched on her face, "Is everything alright?" Katrina nodded and assured her, "Yes, everything's fine. I just missed you." However, Marina couldn't shake off her worries.

As Nicolas descended from upstairs, clad in his socks, he was on the verge of letting out a shout. But Marine shot him a pointed look, urging him to reconsider, and subtly indicated towards Katrina. He promptly held his words and greeted Katrina with a warm smile. Leaning down from behind, he planted a kiss on the top of her head and retrieved his tie from the sofa where Katrina was seated.

Katrina rose and embraced him. Nicolas spoke with affection, "It's been so long, I almost thought you'd forgotten about us." Katrina responded with a tender smile, though her voice hinted at the underlying tension she felt, "That could never happen."

While Nicolas held Katrina in a warm embrace, he cast an inquiring look toward Marine, silently seeking information about Katrina's situation. However, Marine's lips stretched into a surprised and oblivious expression, as this unexpected visit was indeed a shock to her as well.

"Alright, love. I'll see you in the evening," Nicolas said as he released Katrina from his warm embrace. He kissed Marine affectionately and then headed off to his job.

As Nicolas departed, Marine took a seat beside Katrina and asked, her voice filled with concern, "Is it about Sophie?" Katrina hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face. Marine embraced her daughter, offering comfort and solace. "Don't worry, everything will be fine," she reassured Katrina, gently stroking her hair as they shared a heartfelt moment.

Katrina's tears weren't solely about the loss of her friend; they stemmed from the realization that her pain was slowly beginning to subside. Her emotions were no longer consumed by sadness and anger, and this newfound numbness was making her feel unwell. Her mind seemed to be pushing away the memories and emotions, urging her to move forward and forget. It was as if her own healing was causing an entirely different kind of ache.