Page 132 of Cavern of Silence

Roman steps out. "Next passengers should be here in ten minutes. I'll help you clean up."

I don't move.

He has the vacuum in his hand.

"What are you doing? That isn't your job."

He doesn't reply, and I watch him diligently vacuum the seats for several minutes.

"Do you need any refills?"

I turn. A young man tries to mask his shock over my face. I straighten my skirt. "Yes, please. We're especially low on rum. Let me get you the list."

I concentrate on refilling drinks and food. Roman comes back with the vacuum. "I think everything looks presentable. Will you double-check my work to make sure I didn't miss anything?"

Still in shock he's helping, I nod.

"I need some air. I'm going to greet the passengers on the tarmac if you're okay?"

Since when does Roman care if I'm okay?

"Yeah. I'm good."

He opens his mouth to speak but then shuts it. He gives me a small smile. "Thank you." He steps off the plane as a black car arrives.

I get through my flights, and when my shift is over, I'm in Costa Rica. The driver drops me off at my apartment. I assumed he was taking me to a hotel.

"This isn't my place anymore," I tell him.

He gets out anyway and opens my door.

"Sir, I—"

"They said to give you this." He hands me the purse I had on the plane the day of my abduction.

I swallow the thick knot forming in my throat, take the bag, and get out of the car.

Surely my landlord auctioned off all my things by now?

I cautiously walk into the building and down the hall. When I get to 3A, I dig in my handbag to find my keys. I knock, but no one answers. With shaking hands, I slide the key into the lock and open the door.

The only light is from the moon shining through the windows. I travel room to room. Nothing has changed. Everything appears the same.

How can this be?

There isn't even a layer of dust coating the surfaces.

But when I go back to the main room, I'm not alone. He steps forward, out of the corner of the shadows. For the first time ever being around him, fear fills me. And I've known him since I was six.

"Miguel. What are you doing here?"

22

Julieta

"Liliana,what did you do for them to do that to your face?" Miguel asks.

"What did I do?" I cry out.