C27 Chapter 27

Jules was discharged from the hospital later that day. Emily drove her to the safe house where they were staying.

As they pulled into the driveway, Jules looked around, a bit relieved. "Home for now."

Emily nodded softly. "You'll be safe here, sweetie."

Jules stepped out of the car, taking in the quiet surroundings. The safe house was basic, but secure.

"Want me to get you settled?" Emily asked.

Jules shook her head. "I'll be okay, Mom. Thanks."

Emily smiled, handing her a bag with some stuff from the hospital. "Text me if you need anything. I’ll be outside for some air."

Jules nodded and headed inside.

Detective Thompson's message popped up on Emily's phone: "Need to discuss something about Alex's case. Can you meet tomorrow?"

Emily types out a quick response to Detective Thompson: "Can we do it over phone or video call? Can't leave Jules alone, I’m really worried she'll try to run again."

She hits send, her worried eyes on Jules who's settling into the couch in the safe house living room.

Detective Thompson responds: "Got it. Video call in an hour work for you? I'll brief you on some developments about Alex's case."

Emily looks up from her phone, her eyes scanning the small living room of the safe house until they land on Jules, who's staring blankly at the wall . "Jules, wanna grab some food? I made some noodles... your fave, chicken flavour ." She tries to inject a bit of cheer into her voice, but worry still lingers in her tone.

Jules slowly looks up, a hint of a shine on her face... A small, almost imperceptible nod. "Yeah... sure, Mom."

Emily's face softens. She gets up from the couch and heads into the tiny kitchen area of the safe house, the tiles cool under her feet. "Okay, I'll bring it over. Do you want to eat here or...?" She gestures to the small dining table in the corner.

Jules doesn't respond immediately. Then, in a low voice, "Here is fine."

Emily nods, more to herself, and starts dishing out the noodles into two bowls .

The aroma of chicken broth and spices fills the air, making her stomach twitch with a mix of anxiety and hope.

She brings the bowls over, sets one down on the coffee table in front of Jules, and takes a seat next to her on the couch. "Eat up, sweetie."

Jules picks up her spoon, twirling some noodles absently.

Jules takes a tentative bite of the noodles, the flavours bringing a faint spark to her eyes. Emily watches anxiously, hoping for some sign of... anything.

The safe house's walls feel heavy with silence for a moment. Then Emily breaks it: "How's the food, sweetie?"

Jules nods slightly, eyes back on her bowl.

After they finish eating, Emily takes the bowls to the kitchen, rinsing them under the tap. "Jules, why don't you go freshen up and get ready for bed? It's been a long day."

Jules nods, pushing herself up from the couch. She heads to the bathroom, the soft click of the door a quiet sound in the safe house.

Emily checks the locks on the windows, does a quick sweep of the living room. Satisfied, she settles onto the couch with a sigh, phone nearby.

The bathroom door opens, Jules comes out in comfy PJs, hair brushed. "Good Night, Mom," she murmurs.

Emily smiles softly. "Night, sweetie. Get some rest."

Jules heads to the bedroom they've set up for her. The safe house feels quiet now, except for Emily's occasional check on her phone.