The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

As Tavon took in Salma's words, a wave of calm washed over him. "Salma," he said with a reassuring smile, "if our son-in-law isn't worried, then we shouldn't be either. It seems our daughter has quite the hold on him. As long as he's smitten with Ana, this will all work out." Salma hadn't considered this angle. All she knew was that every day Anastasia spent at the police station was another day of unrest for her.

"The Hendersons won't let this go," she fretted. "This is a murder case. If Ana ends up in prison, it's all over."

Tavon acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "Don't panic just yet," he said. "I'll be there soon."

"Okay," Salma hung up, pacing the living room with a nervous energy that refused to settle. "Sis, Sis!"noveldrama

It was Cynthia's voice, calling even before she entered.

Hearing her, Salma went to the door and saw Cynthia outside. She hurried to let her in. "Big sis."

Seeing Cynthia felt like finding a rock in a storm for Salma-it meant having someone to talk to. Her emotions, barely contained, broke free, and tears came unbidden.

To Salma, Cynthia was family, her own sister. In front of her sister, there was no need for pretenses, and her genuine feelings showed.

Fear, helplessness, and worry were on full display, as if she'd latched onto a lifeline.

Cynthia quickly took Salma's arm, looking deeply concerned. "I saw the news. Ana's been accused of murder. I rushed over. Sis, tell me what happened. Did Ana really kill someone? Is she facing a life sentence, or worse, the electric chair?" The mere mention of the electric chair turned Salma's face ashen.

Clutching Cynthia's hand tightly, Salma asked, "Could Ana really be facing the electric chair? What are we going to do?"

"Let's go inside and talk," suggested Cynthia, feeling Salma's icy palms. Though part of her relished Salma's distress, Cynthia remembered how Salma had bragged about Anastasia and pitied her own daughter, Gianna. Now, she felt Salma's concern for Gianna had always been insincere.

People are complex creatures. When Gianna was in trouble, Cynthia had been consumed by worry. Salma's comfort had been welcome then, but now that she didn't need it, the past seemed less genuine. The gratitude and sisterly bond seemed fleeting, easily shattered. Entering the house, Cynthia couldn't help but envy the luxurious villa. It irked her that Salma lived in such splendor-a splendor she had never known. Deep down, Cynthia looked down on Salma, believing she lived off her daughter's success and was vain. But Cynthia wouldn't show her disdain. Instead, she feigned empathy. "Don't worry, sis. The verdict isn't out yet. What's the Henderson family saying?"

Through tears, Salma replied, "I don't know. I spoke to my son-in-law, but he didn't give me a straight answer. I'm scared Ana might really face the electric chair. It's my fault. Ana wanted my homemade apple pie yesterday. I should've sensed something was off. She told me to take good care of Pattie-as if leaving a last will. She must've planned to confront old Mrs. Henderson all along."

Cynthia shook her head. "Ana's been too impulsive. It's such a loss. She just lost a child, and now she's behind bars. Herman's so young, and that was his grandmother who died. Can he really forgive Ana? Once this blows over and Ana's doing time, what if Herman finds a new wife? He wouldn't lose anything. Men rarely stay true."

Cynthia's words deepened Salma's anxiety and fear. "What do we do? What can we do?"

Salma was frantic, desperate for a solution.

Instead of offering solace, Cynthia continued to peddle worry. "I've spoken to a lawyer. In cases like this, it's at least twenty years. If the Hendersons push for it, it could even lead to the chair."