VIVIAN returned home two days after she had left.

The small gate clicked shut behind her as she dragged her pink coloured small suitcase through the veranda. The afternoon sun was still hanging lazily in the sky, casting long shadows across the tiled floor of the veranda. From the sitting room window, Fiona had already spotted her.

The moment the door opened, Fiona sprang up from the couch, excitement lighting up her face.

“Finally!” she exclaimed, hurrying toward the door. “Madam Vale has returned from her romantic getaway.”

Vivian forced a small smile as she stepped inside, placing her bag beside the wall. Her movements were slow, almost mechanical.

Fiona...