22

During their first year here in this small town, Lucia was fumbling due to language barrier.

Not many people here speak English and she couldn't understand their local dialect.

It was a stormy night when Lucia stumbled upon the bloody Augustus. He was leaning on the lamp post outside their house while clasping his abdomen.

Lucia knew how dangerous it was to leave him outside. She beckoned him to get in and dressed his stab wound.

From then on, Augustus came to their house from time to time to visit Louise and patiently talk about his endeavours.

It was then that she found signs of Louise's awakening.

Lucia busied herself inside the kitchen and whipped Augustus' favourite dishes.

It's been months since he came and visited so she was quite happy having his company over Christmas Eve.

Back in the room, Augustus clasped Louise's hand kissed it gently.

"When will you wake up?" He asked the woman. He asked her countless times before but she showed no response.

He sighed deeply.

He had fallen for her the first time he ever laid his eyes on her. Even though it was a fruitless and one sided love, he couldn't stop.

He was lost in his thoughts when he heard rustle from the outside.

This pulled him back to reality and quickly strode out from the room.

He walked towards the kitchen and he found Lucia humming some tunes while cooking.

"Aunt..." He called.

"What is it Augustus? Don't tell me you're going now?" She asked, sounding sad.

"No. I have to tell you something." Augustus whispered in her ears.

"There are men outside." He said.

Lucia began to panic. They have found them.

She hastily turned off the gas stove and removed her apron. She walked towards Louise's room and pulled out a suitcase under her bed.

She hastily packed their important things without minding Augustus who followed her back.

His eyes narrowed.

"Aunt. Come with me. I can take care of you." Augustus said after some time.

"No. We can't implicate you. You have helped us so much. We will leave immediately. You too. Call your bodyguards over." She said while she placed all their things inside the suitcase.

"Aunt, please. I want to help you. Just think of it  as a payment of saving me that night." Augustus insisted.

Lucia paused her actions and took a look at the young man across her.

"I'll call my bodyguards over. She will be safe. I promise." Augustus said.

He pressed the emergency button on his watch.

"Okay." Lucia relented. She knew the situation is unfavorable to them.

She could not protect her this time.

Soon, fighting could be faintly heard from the outside.

His phone vibrated and he took a look on the message.

"They are here. I'll carry her. Just bring your documents and passports. I'll buy you the things needed." Augustus pulled the IV drip from Louise's hands. He carried her like a princess and walked towards the door.

Lucia followed immediately carrying a small back pack.