Chapter 3

The evening sky was awash with a chalcedony of colors, the most prominent being purple and gold. This was part of the most calming aspects of Linda’s day — admiring the view of the setting sun whilst driving home from a hectic day at the facility. Her feet were cramped from all the standing she’d done, and a yawn climbed out of her every two minutes. Today was takeout Thursday, so she made a turn in the Western direction of the town toward Ria’s for a large crusty pizza.

She parked properly, made her way inside the small but lively pizzeria to the gleaming marble counter, and placed her order. She waited a few minutes for the familiar restlessness that came with savoring the aroma of tikka and sauteed onions, and soon, her fingers were drumming on the counter on their own accord, and her feet kept shifting in place. She was suddenly made aware of how hungry she was, even though she had had a late lunch.

Roars of excitement sounded behind her, and she turned to see