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6

Why should I, Katherine said icily and voidly. "Do you feel guilty after consuming too much steak? Do you feel bad for the cow?" He continued, pushing the anguish in his chest deeper, after seeing Matt's expression of terrible incredulity. Matt should keep him far away from him going forward. Or Matt could become like those dead people found in the Quonset hut. "Matt, I am what I am. You'd best stay away from me if you're not able to take it."

Matt continued to look at him for a time as his sickening amazement eventually gave way to his sickening disenchantment. His jaw muscles were particularly noticeable. He then turned on his heel and went away without saying anything.

The cemetery was where Elizabeth was.

Dominic had left her there and urged her to hang around until he returned. But she didn't want to remain still. The fresh blood was having the same effect on her as a caffeine jolt, making her feel exhausted but not quite drowsy. She wanted to go spelunking.

Despite the absence of any people, the cemetery was bustling with activity. A fox crept toward the river path through the darkness. Around the headstones, little rats made tunnels beneath the long, languid grass while squeaking and darting around. A barn owl glided very stealthily into the derelict church and landed upon the bell tower before making an unsettling screech.

After standing up, Elizabeth followed it. Compared to hiding in the grass like a mouse or vole, this was far better. She used her perceptive faculties to analyze the crumbling church as she peered about it with curiosity. Only three of the walls and most of the roof were still intact, but the belfry stood out like a lone monument among the ruins.

The grave of Thomas and Honoria Fell was situated on one side and resembled a large stone coffin. Elizabeth cast a serious look at the white marble sculptures' faces on the lid. They were in a state of calm relaxation, their eyes closed, and their hands clasped over their breasts.

Honoria was just sorrowful in contrast to Thomas Fell, who appeared serious and a touch severe. Elizabeth had a fleeting thought of her own parents as they lay side by side in the contemporary cemetery.

She decided that she would return home. She had just come to mind her home. It was now in her mind's eye: a lovely bedroom with blue drapes, cherrywood furniture, and a little fireplace. And something significant hidden under the closet's floorboards.

She followed impulses that went deeper than memory to find Maple Street.

allowing her feet to lead the way. A large front porch and floor to ceiling windows were features of this very ancient home. The automobile belonging to Robert was in the driveway.

allowing her feet to lead the way. A large front porch and floor to ceiling windows were features of this very ancient home. The automobile belonging to Robert was in the driveway.

She would not, however, be able to get here undetected. Elizabeth's red silk kimono was being held in the lap of a lady who was seated on the bed and gazing down at it.

Uncle Judith Robert was chatting to her as he stood next to the dresser. Even through the glass, Elizabeth discovered that she could hear the murmur of his voice.

He was saying, "Out tomorrow again." "Unless a storm develops. They'll search every square inch of those forests before finding her, Judith. We'll see." He continued, sounding more frantic, while Aunt Judith remained silent. No matter what the females say, we can't give up.

"Bob, it's no good." Aunt Judith finally lifted her head, her eyes dry but with a crimson rim. "It's useless,"

"The rescue operation? I won't allow you to speak in such manner." To stand at her side, he approached.

"No, not only that—despite the fact that I have a gut feeling she won't be found alive. I suggest, everything. Us. The events of today were our responsibility."

"That is untrue. A bizarre accident occurred."

"Yes, but we also brought it about. She wouldn't have taken off alone and been trapped in the storm if we hadn't been so harsh with her. Don't attempt to interrupt me, Bob; I want you to listen." Aunt Judith continued after taking a big breath. "Additionally, it wasn't just today. Since the beginning of the school year, Elizabeth has been experiencing troubles, and I somehow failed to see the warning signals. I haven't been paying attention to them since I've been too preoccupied with myself and us. Now, I see that.

And now that Elizabeth is... gone, I don't want Margaret to experience the same tragedy."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm telling you that I can't be married to you as quickly as we had hoped. maybe never." She didn't glance at him as she talked quietly.

"Margaret has already suffered too much. I don't want her to think that she is also losing me."

"She won't let you go. Because I'll be there more often, she could even gain someone. You already know my thoughts on her."

I apologize, Bob, but I do not see it that way.

"No way are you serious. After everything I've done, after all the time I've spent here..." The voice of Aunt Judith was strained and obstinate. "I'm not kidding,"

Elizabeth sat outside the window and sent a questioning glance Robert's way. A vein

His face had become crimson, and his forehead hurt. His face had become crimson, and his forehead hurt.

"I won't, no,"

You're not really-

"I really mean it. Don't try to convince me that I'll alter my opinion; I won't."

Robert glanced about in impotent annoyance for a split second before his face darkened. His voice sounded icy and flat as he talked. "I see. So, if that's your final response, I guess I'd best go going."

"Bob." When Aunt Judith turned in surprise, he had already left through the door. She shook as she rose up, seeming undecided about whether to pursue him. She worked the crimson stuff in her hand with her fingers. She yelled "Bob!" once again, this time with greater urgency, then turned to drop the kimono on Elizabeth's bed before following him.

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