C2 Telltale Signs

Beth finally pulls herself away from their bedroom window and goes downstairs to make breakfast for her and Anna.

While getting a frying pan, that feeling of uneasiness overcomes her as she peers into the cabinet. Beth closes her eyes and tries to visualize how she arranged the pots and pans under there. She opens her eyes, and immediately closes them tightly; then, opens them once again and stares into the cabinet. Beth opens the other cabinets and drawers, finding all their contents moved as well. She starts breathing rapid and heavily, as her hands shake.

She stumbles back reaching for the kitchen table while falling abruptly into a chair; nearly tipping it over. She clasps her hands in front of her mouth and begins to hyperventilate as her whole body shakes. Fear is now overwhelming Beth.

A voice sounds out from the kitchen entrance. “Mommy?”

Beth jumps up, letting out a short scream as one hand clenches her chest while her other wrenches the side of the table to keep her from falling under buckling knees.

A bewildered Anna rushes to her mother’s side. “Mommy, are you okay?”

Beth catches her breath while feeling a little sensation returning to her previously rubbery legs. Managing to stand semi-erect, she stumbles forward, using her body’s weight momentum, making her way over to the sink. Beth turns on the water, grabs the sponge and starts fumbling with the dishes as if she were washing them. She tries to compose herself before answering her daughter; who’s standing almost motionless, watching her mom with an anxious expression on her face.

“Mommy’s fine, Sweetie; you just surprised me, that’s all. You hungry?”

“Yes.”

“How about some eggs?”

“Yes, please.” Anna replies while heading over to the table.

Beth dries her hands on her apron while going to the refrigerator. “Sweetie, you didn’t happen to move things around in the cabinets; did you?”

“No.”

“Do you know if Daddy did?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Oh…okay. How do you want eggs, scrambled or sunny-side up?”

“Sunny-side up, please.”

Beth starts melting butter in the pan, then cracks an egg open. She screams from a horrifying sight…a blood-filled egg yolk.

Anna jumps up and runs towards the stove.

Beth grabs Anna to stop her. “Go sit back down, please.”

“But Mommy…”

Anna’s cut off by a frazzled Beth. “Go sit down now! Please! Just sit!”

Beth starts crying; then suddenly stops. “Sweetie; Mommy’s sorry. Everything’s fine. Just go back to the table and wait.”

“Okay.” Anna returns to her chair.

Beth slowly approaches the stove; while Anna meticulously watches her every move.

Beth gathers up her nerve, and leans over to look into the frying pan. Once again, Beth’s shocked by the sight. The once blood-filled egg yolk has returned to being a normal yolk.

Beth steps back, taking in a deep breath, then rejoins Anna at the table. She’s beginning to wonder if Martin could be right about the stress of the move getting to her. Is it all just in her mind?