Awake In The Shadows

Chapter 2

Emily scribbled the day's math problem on the blackboard, chalk dust floating in the air. She spun around, her eyes twinkling. "Who's got this one?"

A forest of hands sprang up. Timmy, ever the eager beaver in the front row, was practically levitating. "Fourteen!" he blurted, his voice tinged with triumph.

"You're on fire today, Timmy!" Emily said, her eyes meeting his. She wiped the board clean, her heart swelling with pride. Teaching at Willow Elementary was her lifeblood. Those "aha!" moments, the quirky questions, even the pandemonium of a room full of 8-year-olds—it was all part of her daily tapestry.

The bell's shrill ring sliced through the air, and the room erupted into a cacophony of zippers and youthful banter. "Homework by Wednesday, folks! And those field trip forms—don't forget!" Emily's voice soared over the chatter.

As the last backpack disappeared through the door, Emily plopped into her chair and exhaled, a blend of satisfaction and fatigue washing over her. Her desk, a mosaic of papers and scribbled plans, was a testament to her devotion.

Her phone buzzed, jolting her back to the present. Mark's text lit up the screen: "How was your day? I am eager to see you. Love you."

Her fingers danced over the keys. "The day was a win. Love you more. See you soon." Mark was her sanctuary, the calm in her daily storm. Their evenings were a cherished ritual, a pause in the whirlwind.

But as she locked up, her thoughts drifted to the unsettling dream that had invaded her sleep. She shook her head, as if to scatter the remnants of the nightmare. Her life was a well-oiled machine; what room was there for such irrational fears?

Yet, as she navigated the familiar bends of Willow Creek, a sense of disquiet crept in. It was elusive, but it was there. And as she pulled into her driveway, a chill ran down her spine. Something was shifting, teetering on the edge. That nightmare? It wasn't just a figment of her imagination; it was a harbinger.

Emily's car tires crunched against the gravel as she pulled into her driveway, the headlights casting a warm glow on the cozy two-story house. She turned off the engine and inhaled deeply, the scent of jasmine from the garden filling her senses. Willow Creek was small, but it was her haven.

Daisy, their Golden Retriever, was already scratching at the door when Emily fumbled with her keys. "Hey, you," she grinned, giving Daisy a quick pat before tossing her keys onto the hook.

"Em, is that you?" Mark's voice wafted from the kitchen, blending with the inviting aroma of garlic and rosemary.

"Who else?" she replied, kicking off her heels and heading toward the kitchen. Mark was at the stove, lost in his culinary world. He looked up, and their eyes locked—a silent, comforting exchange. They shared a quick kiss.

"How was the battlefield today?" he asked, stirring the pot.

Emily chuckled. "You won't believe it. During math class, Timmy tried to prove that a triangle has four sides. Chaos ensued."

Mark laughed. "Ah, the joys of teaching."

"Speaking of chaos, Lisa called. She's up for drinks at O'Brien's. What do you think?"

Emily's eyes sparkled. "A girls' night? Count me in."

O'Brien's was the kind of pub where your drink was poured before you even sat down. Emily spotted Lisa's unmistakable red hair from across the room. "Hey, firecracker!" Lisa yelled, waving her over.

Emily slid into the booth, and they hugged like they hadn't seen each other in years. "Feels like a lifetime, doesn't it?"

"Absolutely. The ER's a zoo," Lisa sighed, signaling for another round.

"And math class is a comedy show," Emily added.

Lisa looked concerned. "You seem drained, Em. Everything alright?"

Emily hesitated, her fingers nervously circling her glass. "Just some weird dreams. No big deal."

Lisa eyed her skeptically but didn't press. "Alright, if you say so."

As Emily stepped out into the night, an unsettling shiver ran down her spine. The sky was a sea of stars, but the darkness felt heavier than usual. She shook off the feeling; this was Willow Creek, the safest place she knew.

Yet, as she drove home, an old saying echoed in her mind: "Even in the calmest waters, shadows lurk."

The thought clung to her as she parked her car, and the porch light cast its warm, inviting glow. But the feeling that those lurking shadows were drawing closer? That stayed.