Preparations and Jitters
The branches of the three fir trees that reached the window of Ayala's room swayed in the autumn wind. The evergreen trees bent slightly and tapped on the glass, but the two women were already accustomed to the sound.
It was becoming dark outside, and a gentle autumn rain had started. That was why, even though it wasn't night yet, Hope lighted as many candles and lamps as she could. She wished to lift her friend's spirits by eliminating the dismal environment from outside.
It was hard for Hope because she unwittingly remembered the night she had been tied up with Wrenn, one of the worst nights of her life. She knew it would be different for Ayala, but she still couldn't easily get rid of those thoughts.