The Eye of Fire: The Third Gate (Episode 1) by Amina Beran Read Free Book Online Page A

the mirror and quickly put on her head scarf, and pinned it. “Does this look ok?”
                  “Yes sure baby.” Sam said.
                  “How do you think you will like living in Potts again?” Sam asked his wife.
                  “Actually, I am excited about that. I am tired of the city. I was raised on a farm in Potts before mom and dad passed away, and after they died, the farm got sold off. I am sure this will be great honey.”
                  “Yes it is like an adventure,” said Sam. “Let’s make this a quick stop. It’s only another few minutes until we get to our new place.
                  The gas station appeared mostly empty except for the gas station clerk, and a customer who was searching for a snack. Alicia was famished but she needed the bathroom more. She took her purse and headed for the rest room.
                  “I will be right outside honey,” Sam called to her.
    Alicia entered the restroom and locked the door. The bathroom had graffiti written on the stalls. She pretended to not notice, because she didn’t want to read the crude and childish writing. But she found herself looking at it anyway, one sentence said, “Do you know where you are?” The door swung heavy on the hinge when she shut the stall door. Suddenly, the air felt really cool around her, and she started to shiver. Immediately, she regretted leaving her coat in the car. She hurriedly finished up her business and washed her hands. She gazed in her reflection in the mirror to straighten up her head scarf and to make sure her little hairs were tucked neatly under it. She frowned a little at her obviously tired appearance. It had been days since she had slept well. Her brown eyes were heavy and tired, and the fine lines of her face appeared more worn than usual. Though they were living out of a suitcase in the car for nearly two weeks, she still made the best of it. She cleaned up a little by pulling up her long sleeves, and she washed her hands, face, arms, nose, and ran her hand under her scarf on her head to lightly dampen her hair. Then she removed her shoes. She frowned because the floor was covered in dirt. So, she dipped her hand under the faucet to put water in her hand and used it to rub her foot to clean it, and she put a napkin on the floor to rest her foot so she could clean the other foot. She felt tapping on her shoulder, “I am hurrying, just a second.” She said.
    “Honey, are you ok?” Sam called outside the door.
    Alicia spun around and no one was there. “Just a second honey.” She hurried to the door.
    “I thought you were inside here with me,” she said, as she seen her husband outside the restroom. She seemed a little bit alarmed.
    “Why honey, I told you I would be right here.” Sam said.
    “It’s just I thought I felt you touch my shoulder.” Alicia said.
    “Is there someone else in there with you?” Sam said.
    “No, no, I didn’t see anyone else. I looked around and the restroom was empty. Maybe I am just tired. You know I haven’t slept well,” Alicia said.
                  “Yes I am sure that is it, but I am sure when we get to our new place, you will sleep like a real princess honey.”  Sam wrapped his arm around his wife, and led her to the car.
    “I had the clerk make us some cheese sandwiches from the deli counter.”
    “How did you afford these honey, I thought we were nearly broke?” Alicia looked concerned.
    “The clerk handed them to me, and when I took out my wallet, he said, “Keep your money.” These people sure are nice, I can understand why you wanted to come back.  And I hope you don’t mind, I brought you a coffee. I know you wanted to quit the caffeine, but maybe you need it.”
                  “You always think about me sweetie.” Alicia said to Sam. Sam was younger than she was by eight years, but she loved being the older woman. He was kind and