The Inferno's Claim

The News

In a dimly lit room, where the only source of light was the gentle rays of sunlight reflecting through the tiny space that the thick and vintage curtains hung on the double door window missed covering, a small figure could be seen curled up in a queen-sized wooden bed.

Her mid-waist fiery hair was sprawled over the soft pillows, a stark contrast to the grey cotton linen. She let out a low groan as she slowly drifted awake from her deep slumber. Her head was pounding as though she carried the weight of the entire world alone.

Genova's groggy, sapphire blue eyes took a moment to adjust to her surroundings, and she noticed she was back in her bedroom. A slight frown graced her smooth and youthful forehead as she wondered if yesterday's events were only her imagination. Could she have dreamt of all that happened on her sixteenth birthday?

Genova shook her head, trying to arrange her thoughts, but the pounding in her head was impossible to ignore. It was making her reasoning and focus unstable. Though she often had migraines, it was never to this extent. And for a fact, she knew it had something to do with last night.

Her mind couldn't have possibly made all of that up!

'But how did I get home?' Genova wondered, her brow furrowed in confusion. 'Probably made it back before I fully blacked out!' She concluded, trying to rationalize the situation.

Or perhaps, the dreadful experience on her sixteenth birthday was merely her imagination. Otherwise, how else could she explain how she had managed to get out unscathed from the very situation that almost ruined her life? A sense of relief washed over her at the thought, but a nagging doubt lingered at the back of her mind.

Genova hoped her parents had gone to bed early because the last thing she wanted was for them to worry about her even more than they already had. A sad sigh left her throat as she slowly yet gingerly crawled out of bed, her body aching with each movement.

So much for her much-anticipated 16th birthday celebration, which, of course, ended up in a disaster. Thank God not much damage was done! But why was her recollection so disorganized? Why couldn't she remember anything after she had blacked out? Frustration and confusion swirled within her, adding to the pounding in her head.

Genova made a mental note to avoid pubs at all costs. She didn't want the same event to retake place in the future. A shudder ran through her body at the mere thought of reliving that experience.

She then pushed back all the negativity, determined to focus on the life ahead of her. It was Sunday, and she couldn't have been happier. That being the case, perhaps she should strive for a little more sleep. Genova glanced at the nightstand and saw it was still pretty early. The antique golden alarm clock she had received from her dad on her fifteenth birthday and had kept beside her bed since that day showed it was only 6:58 am.

There was no need for an early rise today because she wasn't required to be at work or school. The good thing about weekends! With that, Genova laid back down, her body sinking into the soft mattress. And luckily, she drifted back to sleep not long after, her mind finally finding solace in the realm of dreams.

-----

It was 11:25 am when her eyes fluttered open again. And with the burning sensation in her stomach, she knew she had to get something to eat soon before it worsened. She was famished!

And to her relief, the throbbing headache from before had also eased significantly. A wave of gratitude washed over her as she felt the pain subside.

Thus, Genova got up, showered, and then headed down for brunch, her stomach growling in anticipation.

Her mom, Mary, was sitting on the kitchen couch alone with a cup of tea placed in front of her when Genova came in. "Good morning, honey," Mary smiled warmly at her daughter, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Good morning, mom," Genova returned the pleasantry and leaned in to kiss her mother on the cheek, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender that always seemed to linger around her. "I hope your sleep was sound?" She added after pulling away from the older woman, her voice laced with care.

Mary chuckled, the sound warm and comforting. "My night was well-rested, honey," she responded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I could say the same about yours; I had come in to inform you of breakfast earlier but found you deep asleep."

Genova's mind took a quick spin to the night before, and unknowingly, she pursed her lips. She was still unsure of what exactly happened or if her parents were aware of anything. But looking at her mother right now, the woman seemed so relaxed, a reaction that was contradicting to how it would be should her mom have found out about her unanswered questions.

Genova snapped out of her reverie when she heard, "Come, take a seat while I fix you something to eat." Mary patted the space next to her, signaling her daughter to come closer.

She hummed and sat down beside her mom, the couch cushions sinking under her weight.

Mary took a fresh tea cup from the tray and filled it with a pinkish-reddish liquid. "Here, have some tea while I prepare your food," she said, handing the cup to Genova with a warm smile.

"Thanks, mom!" Genova thanked her mother, bringing the cup to her lips and taking a sip. Her eyes shut close as she hummed in satisfaction, the warm liquid soothing her parched throat.

"I could never get bored with your cooking and tea skills, mom. No one can beat you in these," Genova commented, grinning from ear to ear, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.

Mary let out a low laugh, shaking her head in amusement. "You and your father are the people that matter the most to me. And as the saying goes, the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. That extends to you, my dear!"

Images of her dad's face and how he always made such delightful sounds, which always came off as annoying to her mom whenever he ate, flashed through Genova's mind. Her head couldn't help but tilt back as she reverberated in a burst of laughter, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth and joy.

Mary turned to face her daughter, a fond smile playing on her lips. "I know what must be running through that head of yours for you to laugh this way. It can't be anything other than your father."

"You know me too well, mama," Genova said, her laughter subsiding into a content sigh.

"Indeed I do. You are my child, after all!" Mary stated as she walked back to the dining table with a bowl of lentil soup and three slices of flat bread.

"Thanks, mom," Genova said with the utmost gratitude to her mother while she picked up a soup spoon and started digging into her food, her stomach rumbling with appreciation.

But just as she did, her mind suddenly registered the fact that she was yet to see her dad anywhere. "Where is dad?" She inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Oh, he's out! Should be back soon, honey," Mary answered, waving her hand dismissively.

"OK!" Genova said nothing more as her attention returned to her food, savoring each bite with relish.

Mary refilled her teacup and kept tapping the table with her fingers while watching her daughter eat, a pensive expression on her face.

Genova noticed the older woman's unusual behavior. "Is something bothering you, mom?" She asked, narrowing her eyes in concern.

Mary paused, realizing she had been tapping on the table while her mind wandered away. She forced a smile and said, "Nothing to worry about, dear. I will tell you after you finish your food."

Genova felt even more on edge, her appetite suddenly diminishing. She took the bowl of soup and gulped the liquid down her throat in one go, determined to get to the bottom of her mother's strange behavior.

"There, I'm done!" She said, showing her mom the empty soup bowl and urging the woman to begin with a resolute expression.

"Indeed!" Mary sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as if a weight had been placed upon them.

"Well, your father and I both decided to have you move in with your aunt in Wooddale," she continued, her voice wavering ever so slightly. "You know your chances of finding a good job are better in larger cities. A small town like Roseville has nothing to offer a girl like you."