The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

When Salma heard the words "firing squad" or "twenty years," her world spun, and she nearly passed out. Lost in her worries and sorrow, she didn't notice the small figure crouched on the staircase.noveldrama

Pattie had been there for a while, overhearing the conversation between Cynthia and Salma. Murder, sentencing, prison, execution... These words, strung together, were clear enough for five-year-old Pattie to grasp the situation. Mommy was in trouble, Mommy was going to be executed, Mommy could die. Clutching her stuffed animal tightly, Pattie slipped out the side door, unnoticed by Salma. She was determined to find Daddy to save Mommy.

Anastasia, detained and oblivious to the uproar surrounding Grannie Anita's murder, didn't know how many people genuinely cared or were merely pretending. Thanks to Herman's intervention, Anastasia's conditions in the detention center were relatively good: a private room with heating, a soft bed, and even fresh fruit.

Resting against the bedpost, Anastasia looked up at the ceiling with an unexpected calm. She didn't protest or defend herself, quietly waiting for the judgment. After so long feeling agitated, she now found peace. She had avenged her child and had no regrets. "Anastasia, you've got a visitor," called the guard outside as the iron door swung open. Turning her head, Anastasia saw Monica rushing in and embracing her.

"Ana, why'd you have to be so damn foolish? You scared the hell out of me. For a dead Grannie Anita, you've risked your life-it ain't worth it."

Anastasia hadn't expected Monica to be the second visitor. Monica had ten minutes, secured through signatures and money. Anastasia forced a smile. "I thought I might not see you again. Just seeing you one last time makes it all worth it."

"Don't talk nonsense about dying; it's not happening. I'll get you the best lawyer, Ana. I won't let you die," Monica clung to Anastasia, her heart filled with reluctance and worry. "I'm going to the Salstroms. I'll beg Herman; he loves you too much to let something happen to you. Besides, this mess started with the Salstroms acting unjustly."

Anastasia laughed softly. "Monica, I'm not afraid of death. Since I've been in here, I've felt a lot more at peace. I don't have to suffer anymore, and I've got my revenge for my child. I'm content."

"But you're only twenty-six, so young. What about Auntie and Pattie? What about them? Have you thought of that?" Monica, exasperated, scolded. "How could you be so foolish to take matters into your own hands? It would've been smarter to have someone else do it." Only a true friend would dare speak such thoughts in a police station. Anastasia wiped Monica's tears. "Stop crying; you're not pretty when you cry. You won't find a man that way. And you're calling me foolish? After being fooled by men so often, you still don't learn. If I'm gone, you have to be wise. Don't trust men so easily. Keep a tight grip on your money; no man should be spending a woman's money. As for my mom and Pattie..."

Mentioning her mother and daughter made Anastasia's voice choke up with emotion. "If I'm gone, or if I'm locked up for decades, Monica, please take care of them. I'll repay you in the next life."

"I'm not taking care of them for you," Monica cried. "You take care of your own mother and daughter. I want you to be my sister for life. Don't you give up. I'll spend everything I have to get you out. The Salstroms owe you a son, a life. If they dare to sue you, I'll sue them for you. I'm going to see Herman and ask if he's got a conscience."

Anastasia held Monica's hand. "Don't go to him. He's suffering more than anyone. Don't pressure him."

"And you're still thinking of him? What did he say? Did he come to see you?"

Anastasia nodded, her throat bitter. "He came. He said he'd find a way to get me out, but I don't want him to. From the moment I wanted to kill Grannie Anita, I knew it was over with him. It won't be easy for him to save me; he'd lose everything..."

"You're being foolish," Monica couldn't understand Anastasia's reasoning. All she wanted was for her friend to be safe.

Anastasia just smiled bitterly, leaning against the cold wall, ready to put an end to everything there.