Until We Met Again ( Rowan and Johnson )
Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Karla’s emotions were as fickle as the weather, flaring up and calming down in the blink of an eye. A sudden thought brought her back to equilibrium. Burk’s arrival signified that her time here was coming to an end. She knew she couldn’t be there for him forever, and the thought dampened her spirits. The idea of him replaceing out and feeling heartbroken about this made her rein in her joy swiftly.

Karla decided not to hide her true identity from Burk, explaining her situation with the same words she had used with Rowan.

At first, Burk was incredulous. A time traveler? The notion seemed preposterous. Fortunately, with Rowan vouching for her, Burk’s skepticism wavered, and he came to believe the extraordinary tale.

Karla was curious about whether Burk had a camera, so she casually inquired. His response was laced with surprise, “How did you know I picked up a camera?”

“Really? Where is it? Do you know how to snap a photo? Maybe we should take one? No, no, no, let’s not. Maybe another time. Now’s not right,” Karla rattled off, her words tumbling out faster than a runaway train, eventually answering her own questions.

Burk was thoroughly confused by her rapid–fire speech. “Uh, Ms. Karla, I do have a camera, but I’m still learning to use it. I’ll take a picture for you sometime in the future,” Burk offered politely.

Karla, delighted, made him promise to photograph her, emphasizing the importance of keeping his word. Burk agreed enthusiastically.

Rowan found this peculiar and asked Karla, “Why are you so intent on getting a photo from him?”

“Because I love taking pictures.” Karla had anticipated the question and had her excuse ready.

Rowan just nodded, not thinking much of it. And so, another soul was privy to Karla’s secret. Luckily, Burk was very fond of Rowan, treating him like his own child. Karla could see that Rowan reciprocated the affection. The fact that Rowan shared his help with Nicholas‘ matter with Burk was proof of their bond. Burk was surprised to hear it but understood. His only concern was for Rowan’s well–being. The young boy he had watched grow had faced too much hardship, rarely knowing happiness. Burk feared for Rowan’s future, worried that the shadows of his past might warp him.

However, Burk’s fears dissipated as he witnessed Rowan’s smiles in Karla’s company, smiles that spoke of freedom and life. Burk realized that Karla was the boy’s beacon of light.

And if that light were ever to extinguish, darkness would surely envelop Rowan again.

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18:20

Chapter 23

That night, in the stillness of the late hours, Karla emerged from the closet, alert and composed. She stood by the bed, gazing at Rowan, who was blissfully unaware of the evening’s events, his slumber as punctual as ever. Karla sighed softly, a sound barely perceptible in the silence.

Turning to the window, she observed the night sky, clear and tranquil–a stark contrast to the tumultuous darkness she felt brewing.

Joana moved stealthily in the shadows, her luggage forsaken, save for the letter tucked close to her heart–her most treasured possession. To Joana, there was nothing in this place worth taking along.

As she prepared to flee the estate, to escape Landon’s clutches, Joana’s heart soared with exhilaration, her steps quickening with anticipation. Freedom was within reach. She was certain she could make it.

“Baby, where might you be heading by yourself at this hour?”

The voice behind her drained the color from Joana’s face. Footsteps drew nearer, and although she yearned to run, her legs felt as if they were cast in lead, immovable.

Joana trembled uncontrollably, haunted by memories of past escape attempts–of being locked away and beaten by Landon for days on end. The fear was overwhelming, threatening to shatter her sanity. She even contemplated ending it all to avoid further forment.

But then, the footsteps ceased just behind her, followed by a muffled groan and the thud of a body hitting the ground.