The full moon

I hadn't been out in three days since Avil's death. The news that came back was disturbing. The investigation found nothing suspicious beyond the wine she drank. Yet, the report said everything inside her stomach was torn, as if someone had cut it with a knife.

Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Max. He wanted to meet outside. Despite my reluctance, I knew I had to go.

We met at a quiet café, the kind of place where secrets can be shared without fear of being overheard. Max looked grave, his usual calm demeanor strained. I ordered a coffee, trying to brace myself for whatever he had to say.

"Zoe," Max began, his voice low, "I need to tell you something. It's about Avil."

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest.

"They found... teeth," he said, his eyes fixed on mine. "In her stomach."

"Teeth?" I echoed, disbelief coloring my tone. "What do you mean, teeth?"

Max took a deep breath. "They found teeth, but they couldn't identify what kind. They weren't human, and they didn't match any known animal either. It's like nothing they've ever seen before."

A chill ran down my spine. "So, what are they saying now?"

"They have no explanation," Max said, frustration evident in his voice. "They've closed the case, labeling it as an inexplicable anomaly. But Zoe, this isn't normal. Something else is going on here."

I couldn't shake the image of those teeth, foreign and mysterious, found inside Avil. The incident, still fresh and raw, cut through me every time I thought about it.

A year had passed since the tragic incident with Avil, and now, life had taken on a new dimension with the arrival of our beautiful baby girl, Aurora. She was three months old, and every day her beauty reminded me more and more of her mother, Arina.

"Where is your momma, my little Aurora?" I cooed, holding her tiny hand and marveling at her delicate features. She giggled, her laugh like music to my ears.

"Honey," a familiar voice called from behind. I turned to see Arina standing there with a bottle of milk. Her smile was as radiant as ever, and in the year that had passed, she hadn't aged a day.

"Give me my baby. My Aurora needs her milk now, right?" Arina gently took Aurora from my arms and began feeding her. I couldn't help but admire how natural and graceful she looked with our daughter. I reached out to move a stray lock of hair from her face, and Arina smiled at me warmly.

"Arina," I began, a bit hesitant, "I have to go out of town tonight for work. Will you be okay alone? I can call one of my friends to stay with you."

I reached for my phone, but Arina quickly grasped my hand. "Babe, I can handle it. Don't worry about us."

"But still," I insisted, "If you want, I can call a babysitter too."

Arina shook her head, her smile unwavering. "No need for that. I'm enough for my baby."

"But how will you manage the house chores and take care of her all by yourself?" I asked, concern etched in my voice as I looked at Arina, who was bustling around the kitchen, preparing Aurora's milk.

"Babe, it's my house, my baby, and I love taking care of them both. I don't like anyone else touching my things," Arina replied with a reassuring smile, her movements efficient and confident.

"My wife works so hard all day," I said softly, stepping closer to her and gently running my fingers through her hair. Arina glanced up at me with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with love and dedication.

"When will you come back?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of longing.

"Tomorrow. But I don't want to leave you guys," I admitted, wrapping my arms around her from behind and resting my head against her back.

"It's your work, you have to go," Arina replied, turning around to face me. She placed her hands on my shoulders, her touch grounding me and easing my worries.

"I will miss you tonight, honey," Arina murmured, leaning in to kiss me. Her lips were warm against mine, and as the kiss deepened, passion and longing intertwined.

Reluctantly, I pulled away, knowing I had to leave for the office. But before I could step out the door, Arina handed me a small chalice filled with water. It had become a ritual—every time I left for work, she insisted I drink from it.

"Why do you always make me drink from this chalice?" I asked, curiosity piqued as I looked at her.

"It will give you strength," Arina replied cryptically, her gaze steady and unwavering.

I nodded, trusting her words without fully understanding them. As I drank the water, I felt a strange sense of calm and readiness wash over me. It was as if her touch and the chalice's contents infused me with a quiet resolve to face the day ahead.

I studied her face, searching for any sign of uncertainty, but found none. She was always so confident and composed. I nodded, trusting her judgment. "Alright, but promise me you'll call if you need anything."

"I promise," she said, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. "Now go pack your things. We'll be just fine."

With a final kiss and a lingering gaze, I left our home, my thoughts filled with Arina and Aurora. Despite the separation, I knew they would be safe and cared for in Arina's capable hands.

But I knew I had to trust Arina. She was strong, and she loved Aurora as much as I did. Everything would be fine, I told myself, trying to push the lingering doubts from my mind.

Tonight was the full moon, casting a serene glow over the city. I stood on the balcony of my hotel room, mesmerized by the beauty of the night. The quietude seemed to conceal something ominous beneath its peaceful facade. Sighing, I turned back into the room, my thoughts drifting to Arina.