Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

When Rupert heard the word "fire," he froze again.

He couldn't help but remember the little girl in his dreams, her clear dislike for him.

Every night, his dreams ended the same way: the little girl running into the flames, holding the hand of a woman whose face he could never quite see. They would share a look, a gentle smile, and then vanish from his dream, leaving him with nothing but the echo of their absence.

While Rupert stood lost in thought, Sylvia managed to slip from his grasp and put a few steps between them.

There was anger in her voice, but a touch of pleading too. "Uncle Rupert, I know I can't win against you. But I'm still a person. Haven't you and your son humiliated me enough? Do you really need the whole world to point at me and call me trash before you're satisfied?"

She didn't wait for him to respond. Turning on her heel, she walked away.

Rupert reached out, but only caught the coat draped over her shoulders. Sylvia didn't even slow down-she shrugged off the coat and disappeared into the snowy night without a backward glance.

Snow gathered on Rupert's shoulders as Orson hurried over, holding an umbrella above him.

"Mr. Rupert, if you keep Ms. Lloyd hidden here, and Tristan finds out... I'm afraid

"Tristan always keeps a card up his sleeve," Rupert muttered, lighting a cigarette. The swirling smoke masked the storm in his eyes.

"A card?" Orson asked, confused.

"Cutting out the problem at the root," Rupert replied, voice cold.

He looked at the house, following the line Sylvia had pointed to earlier, and a vivid image played out in his mind.

Finally, Rupert's gaze settled on the small garden out back. For a moment, he almost saw two of the most important people in his life standing there.

He crushed out his cigarette, his voice low and distant. "Sylvia doesn't get to just walk away from this."

Orson saw the obsession in Rupert's eyes and, for a moment, didn't know what to say.

***

Sylvia stumbled home, numb and exhausted. She was startled when the door swung open as soon as she touched the handle.

"You're back!” Ms. Ward exclaimed, ushering her inside. "You're still recovering, your face is as white as a sheet. I made some chili stew; come eat while it's still hot."

"Thank you," Sylvia managed, realizing she didn't want to be alone tonight. Her thoughts were too heavy.

Inside, Ms. Ward handed her a steaming mug as soon as she sat down.

"Want a drink?" Ms. Ward asked, already pouring wine into two glasses.noveldrama

Sylvia blinked, a little surprised at her neighbor's readiness. "You were waiting for me?"

Ms. Ward just grinned. "Good stew and a little wine-by tomorrow, nothing will seem quite so bad."

Sylvia almost wondered if Ms. Ward knew something more, but the older woman didn't pry. She just poured the wine, tossed some ribeye slices into the bubbling stew, and even mixed up a dipping sauce for Sylvia.

After a hearty meal and a couple of glasses, Sylvia felt pleasantly lightheaded. She made her way home, fell into bed, and was asleep before her mind could wander.

The next morning, she was back at work, busy enough that there was no time for brooding.

The day before the winter holidays, she finally had a breather. After

helping her coworkers with the big office clean-up, they ordered afternoon tea and relaxed, counting down the hours until freedom.

Everyone was chatting about where they'd go for the holidays, and Sylvia found herself tempted to join in. In her last life, she'd married right after college had a kid, and barely even left the house, let alone gone on vacation.

Now that she'd saved up a little money, maybe it was time to enjoy life for once.

She was still daydreaming when the front desk called her office.

"Sylvia, there's someone here to see you."

She set down her tea. "I'll be right there."

Downstairs, she saw someone approaching-slow and steady.

It was Reese.

"Sylvia."

"Ms. Sanford! What brings you here?"

"Just call me Reese," she laughed, correcting her gently.

Worried that Reese might be tired from the walk, Sylvia quickly helped her to a sofa.

Reese smiled. “Don't treat me like I'm fragile. I wore these boots with Mr. Rupert all over Disneyland. This was nothing."

"Disneyland?" Sylvia repeated, a little taken aback by the unexpected detail. She quickly turned to the receptionist. "Could we have some water, please?"