Anica Storm & The Wand Of Time

THE WAND OF TIME

By: STEVEN WOLFF

THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN FOR:

YOUNG ADULTS – SUITABLE FOR AGES 12 AND UP

This eBook is a work of FICTION. All Names, Characters, Creatures, Events, Places, Gadgets, Organizations, Technologies, Businesses, & References are the product of the Authors Imagination. Any Resemblance, Likeness, or Similarities to Real Persons, Events, Broadcasts, Companies, Technologies, Literature, Web Content, etc. Past or Present, Living or Dead is Purely Coincidental! This eBook is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Copyright 2014 – Steven Wolff

*SMASHWORDS EDITION*

Book 1 of 8 – (Edited Version V)

Other titles by this author can be found at his website:

www.steven-wolff.com

* * * *

Dedicated In Loving Memory Of:

Michele Miller Mahmood

A beautiful friend & mother who lost her fight to Breast Cancer at a young age.

Please get checked regularly & help spread Breast Cancer Awareness. Thank You.

* * * *

Table Of Contents

Cover Page

Chinese Proverb

Acknowledgements

Opening Chapter

Chapter 1 - Thirty Six Hours Earlier

Chapter 2 - Marcus

Chapter 3 - Dinner Date

Chapter 4 - Highway To Hell

Chapter 5 - Lonnie & R'dell's House

Chapter 6 - Bobahrallicka

Chapter 7 - Lewrath

Chapter 8 - The Journey Of A Thousand Miles

Chapter 9 - Marcel

Chapter 10 -Things That Make You Go Moo?

Chapter 11 - Fairhaven

Chapter 12 - The Wolf Tavern

Chapter 13 - Knocking On Anica's Door

Chapter 14 - Hollow Mug

Chapter 15 - I Want To Do Bad Things To You

Chapter 16 - The Mask Of Nightmares

Chapter 17 - I Make This Look Good

Chapter 18 - Trackers

Chapter 19 - Pssst, Over Here!

Chapter 20 - The Brig of Lost Souls

Chapter 21 - Full Moons?

Chapter 22 -What Are You?

Chapter 23 - Ayyyyyeeeeee

Chapter 24 – Stormin’ The Castle

Chapter 25 – The Test

Chapter 26 – The Ghost Ring

Chapter 27 – Death Bringer

Chapter 28 – The Great Hall

Chapter 29 – Days Gone By

Chapter 30 – Lets Get Ready To Rumble

Chapter 31 – Status Update

Chapter 32 – Do No Harm

Chapter 33 – Franklin The Steam Punk Robot

Chapter 34 – The Best Part Of Waking Up

Chapter 35 – Jerry & Ben

Chapter 36 – Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Inc.

Chapter 37 - Asylum

Chapter 38 – Remember Castle Alveydor

Chapter 39 – We’re Off To Save The Wizard

The Journey Continues

Update By The Author

Contact The Author - Links

Other Books by Author Steven Wolff

Thank You Page

Readers Note: Click ***** To Return Back To The Table of Contents

(Found at end of every chapter)

The Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step- Old Chinese Proverb

Acknowledgements

Before we start this book - I just want to share this with you. (I'll be quick) :-)

I would not have been able to tell this story had I not had great shoulders to stand on. Many of them, past and present had a part in encouraging me to follow my dreams and it's to all of them that I say Thank you for helping make this a reality…

To Tracey for being a bestous friend for over a decade and #1 fan of my work who helped me edit it and provide invaluable feedback.

I want to give a special shout out to my best friend Rene, who's my biggest fan and greatest friend in the world. This book wouldn't be here if you and your daughters didn't love Anica. :-)

There are many more I owe my thanks and gratitude too, you know who you are. One last person I want to thank…YOU the Reader, for giving me the chance to share an incredible story that is near and dear to my heart. I hope you embrace this and make it yours too. I look forward to sharing many more stories to come because without you wanting more, none of this would be possible. Thank you! -- Steven W.

Now let's begin!!!

*****

* * * * *

911, what’s Your Emergency?

I’m being kidnapped, please help me!!!

Where are you located?

I’m in the backseat of a cab and I don’t know where he’s taking me.

Do you know the name of the person kidnapping you?

No I don’t, he’s just some random cab driver I called.

Do you know the name of the cab service?

No, I don't know - Just please help me!!!

Ma’am, help is on the way, I just need you to try and stay calm, okay?

Okay.

What is your name?

My name is Anica... Anica Storm.

Anica, please listen to me. Whatever you do, stay on the line and don’t hang up. Do you understand?

Yes Ma’am

We're triangulating your signal, so hang in there.

What does that mean?

It means we're searching the cell phone towers near you to find your phone. If we can find your phone signal, we can locate you on our computers so the police will know where you are.

Anica is hunched down in the back seat of a small, European taxicab that is racing along an old country dirt road. A big smirk on the drivers face reveals his confidence because he's kidnapped, raped, and killed at least a dozen other women unfortunate enough to get in the back of his cab. He keeps glancing back through the rear view mirror at how beautiful Anica is, like she's some kind of trophy.

He loves the copper tones in her medium brown hair, how they contrast with her beautiful blue eyes. Right now they show fear and terror, just the way he likes it. He's driving erratically at dangerous speeds because he's not paying attention and two, because he's trying to get as much distance from anyone who may hear her screaming for help. That thought alone has him grinning from ear to ear that this one is another score.

Anica looks out the back window and see's nothing but a thick cloud of tan dust that's being stirred up by the car. There's so much noise from the car that she struggles to hear the operator's voice. She presses the phone hard against her ear and hears the 911 dispatcher cover up her microphone with her hand.

Get me a supervisor, NOW! Despite this effort, she can still hear the dispatcher's muffled voice so she continues to listen intently. Seconds later an authoritative male voice asks, "Is it the Serial Killer Cab Driver?"

I believe it is. It sounds like he has another victim in his car, a young woman named Anica Storm.

How much longer before you lock onto her signal? He asks in a concerned tone. Sounds of fast typing on a keyboard are heard before she answers.

About three minutes.

Okay, keep her on the line. Let me know when you have it, I don't want this bastard to get away!

Anica hears the hand come off the mic. Before the dispatcher can speak, she interrupts. He's going to kill me, isn't he?!?

Anica, listen to me. We are going to find you! I promise, just try to be strong! We're coming. The compassionate voice said.

The driver almost loses control of the car, causing Anica to be thrown around in the backseat like a rag doll, dropping the phone. She finds herself on the floorboard in an awkward position so she gets on her knees to better balance herself in the swerving car. Anica picks up the phone and is relieved to see the call is still connected. She puts it up to her ear and hears the dispatcher talk to her.

You alright?

Yeah, I fell over, but I'm okay.

'Thh hsss shiqrrrr eerrk' the signal comes in garbled and unrecognizable. She pulls the phone from her ear and sees the antenna bar on her phone is flashing the poor signal indicator. Instinctively Anica lifts it higher and hopes that she doesn't lose the signal. She peeks over the back seat, looking out the rear window hoping to see a police car or anyone, but all she sees is the same cloud of dust. The dispatcher comes back clear again.

Anica, Can you give us a description of the cab driver? Tell us what he looks like.

Anica peeks up from behind the seat and suddenly without warning the phone is snatched from her hands and is thrown out the driver’s side window!!!

Anica watches in horror as her phone spins and bounces several times, shattering into hundreds of little pieces before disappearing into the dust cloud left by the car. Anica reactively screams in desperation and fear as she slaps the back of the window over and over, cursing her bad luck. That phone was her only hope of survival and now it’s gone!

The serial killer cab driver rolls up his driver side window as he downshifts and revs the engine to drown out her screams. Reality sets in more firmly; as her imagination makes her paralyzed thinking about all the things he's going to do to her. She’s breathing so fast that she’s hyperventilating. In a last ditch effort, hoping this is just a bad dream, she pinches herself hard to awaken from this nightmare, but she's awake and this isn't a dream. He’s going to kill her… It’s just a matter of when.

*****

CHAPTER 1

THIRTY SIX HOURS EARLIER

Anica loves bookstores and is a life-long avid reader. There’s just something about the smell of a book that brings a smile to her face. She doesn't know what it is, but whenever she enters any bookstore or library, she's instantly in heaven. If she could have her way, she'd live in one surrounded by all kinds of books - soft covers, hard covers, you name it. Since she can't live in a library or bookstore, she has the next best thing at home, a favorite chair in her bedroom she calls the Tardis.

She calls it that because when she's in it with a good book, it takes her to any time or place and on so many adventures. It's no surprise her favorite chair color is Tardis blue, with a fleece police box Tardis-design blankie and a pillow case with David Tennant on one side and Matt Smith on the other, depending on which one she wants to see.

Anica considers herself a super fan of the British Sci-fi show Doctor Who and sometimes wishes she could travel through time and space, meeting all kinds of creatures and getting in all kinds of trouble that usually can be solved by using a sonic screw driver (yes she has one) or just by using her wits.

At night, she looks out her window and wishes she would see the Tardis spinning in the night sky. As with all good reading chairs, her chair also has the usual prerequisite of food crumbs, candy wrappers, and loose change you'll find between the cushions of a much-loved seat.

However, Anica is about to go on a journey she's been saving up for over the past few years. She's saved up and bought tickets to go to Europe and has her bags all packed and is ready to go. She is miles away from home and her favorite chair at Portland International Airport in of all places, Powell's bookstore! She's with her lifelong best friend Michele, browsing the many shelves of books and magazines to help find something to pass the really long flight to get there. A good eighteen hours crammed into a tiny seat, alone, is not really anyone's idea of fun.

As they browse row after row of beautiful cherry oak bookshelves, Anica notices the aroma of fresh coffee brewing from somewhere nearby, pleasantly lingering on the air. Teasing her. She tries to ignore it, but she recognizes the aroma… it's her favorite Black Forest Mocha! The smell is emanating from across the way at her favorite coffee place called The Coffee People.

Anica was devastated when The Coffee People closed up all their shops, but one stayed open, forever thriving and treating all those who travel through Portland International Airport. They are the only ones who make her favorite coffee flavor just the way she likes it. She also loves the chocolate-covered coffee beans! The mere thought of one last cup before the flight is making her mouth water. Anica takes in the aroma with one deep inhale and lets out a pleasant sigh, a big grin on her face.

'How can I resist you?' She thinks to herself. 'Darn it... I don’t want you now because you’re gonna make me get up and go pee every five minutes... But, oh you smell SO good! I hate you! I hate you! I HATE YOU!' She thinks playfully to herself. 'You’re evil! I'm just going to ignore you… La La La. See! It's working!'

She picks up a book that catches her eye and glances at the back cover. Her eyebrow lifts with intrigue and her bottom lip sticks out like a detective who's just stumbled upon a plot-twisting clue!

'Action, Escapes, Magic, Vampires, Were-Dragons, Time Travel and it's got Love and heart break too… This could be interesting!' She thinks to herself.

Hey, what do you think of this shirt? Michelle asks, holding a brown souvenir shirt to her chest that says, Also, I can kill you with my brain!

What brain? Anica replies playfully.

Shut up! I have a brain and you know it!

Both girls laugh and push each other playfully. Anica’s attention goes back to the book in her hand. Michelle’s curiosity makes her peek over to see what book Anica is holding. Whatcha' readin’?

Oh, it’s a novel I’m thinking of buying for my trip. I can’t decide between this and, holding up a second selection, "this one called Heart Strings from Amanda Petrick, which also looks pretty interesting."

Well, why not get both?

Anica smiles at that thought. Good idea!

But I want to read it when you’re done, okay?

You still didn’t give back the other book you borrowed! said Anica.

That’s because it’s such a great book! I… uh… am kinda stuck on this one part.

Anica thought for one moment and her eyes lit up in shock!

"You're not doing what I THINK you're doing… are you?"

Me? Nooooo! Michele blushes and frowns and her eyebrows express that she would never do that.

Good, you better not!

Michele has a sheepish grin on her face, like a kid busted stealing a cookie from a cookie jar.

You ARE, aren't you? Anica pushes Michele playfully, I can't believe you. You're so bad!

Hey, I'm not the one who calls my neck massager Vera!

That's it… let’s go! Anica playfully grabs Michele by the arm and leads her to the cash register, smiling. She knows she can't win that argument.

Do you want to get some coffee? asks Anica.

Sure, if you're buying.

I guess… since it'll be the last time I see you in a few months. Anica said, looking at Michelle while handing money to the cashier, who scans her books and gives her a receipt and puts her books in a plastic bag. The mood suddenly switches for Anica as she thinks about what she just said.

A few months… The thought of leaving her best friend is starting to sink in and is making Anica's eyes well up. She tries to hide it but Michele notices and instinctively responds by wrapping her arms around her, holding her tight. Anica has never been away this long from anyone and the thought is overwhelming.

I’m going to miss you so much! Michele said, still hugging her.

Tears start to fall hard as Anica replies back You’re not even gone and already I’m missing you! How is that even possible?

Michelle pulls back and looks Anica in the eyes.

You know why silly, because the bond we have is so strong! We’re the best friends anyone could ever have and we will be forever! Nothing is ever going to change that and no little time apart is going to stop that. I'll still be here when you get back so don't you forget that!

I wish you could come with me. I hate flying alone.

Michelle took both of Anica’s hands into her own and squeezes them tight.

"I’m going to miss you too silly goose. I so wish I could go but you know I can’t," Michelle said with sincerity and a tear in her eye.

You know with school and finals coming up, it’s just the timing is all wrong.

I know, acknowledged Anica. Damn school and bettering yourself! Anica folds her arms and pouts her lips playfully, trying to be angry but still smiling.

I don’t have to like it but I do understand and I'm proud of you for bettering yourself. I just want you all to myself, that's all.

Michelle suddenly perks up like she always does when she gets a bright idea! Anica's smile gets really big at the look on Michele's face.

Hey! Call me when you get there and we’ll talk on the phone for hours on end, just like when we lived next door to each other!

GOD I miss those days! Anica smiles at how she and Michelle would talk about anything and everything.

I remember on school nights when we used to stay up past 11 with the lights off, talking on the phone all night, Michele replied, Sometimes staying up ALL night into the next day and we still had to go to school!

Yeah, I remember because I kept getting in trouble in Mrs. Wentworth's class for falling asleep. It was your fault!

Oh, but we had so much fun!

Yeah it was. Anica chuckled at the happy memories. They walk out of Powell's, heading over to The Coffee People where the bright red sign, black borders and white letters beckon. It has everything a coffee lover could ever want. They browse the menu as the overhead intercom clicks on.

"Now boarding for flight 1971 non-stop to Europe, Gate C."

Michelle looked at Anica for confirmation.

I’m afraid that’s my call, Anica said with a sad look on her face. I didn't even get to have my coffee, damn it. Anica's bottom lip comes out to pout.

They hug tightly one last time, not wanting to let go.

Go on, don’t miss your flight or I'll never hear the end of it! Michelle says as she hands over Anica's carry-on bag.

Thanks for bringing me here. I love you so much! Talk to you soon?

Love you too. Yeah, call me when you get there so I know you're okay.

Even if it's late over there?

Doesn't matter what time, you know you can wake me up anytime.

Okay I will. Take care of yourself!

You too. I'll be waiting for your call and texts so don't forget!

I won't.

Anica gets one last quick hug and then with tickets in hand, carry-on slung over her shoulder, she walks to the boarding lounge and hands her tickets to the flight attendant to be scanned.

She turns tearfully to wave one last time to Michele who waves back with a big supportive smile. She's given her ticket back so she turns and walks onto the Jetway leading to the plane, wiping at the steady trickle of tears.

'Be strong Anica, you can do this.' She thinks to herself.

As she walks on board, sounds of hissing are heard as the cabin pressure slowly increases as air is pumped into the plane through the air vents. Random conversations can be heard from passengers settling in for the long flight. Anica looks around and sees the overhead lights softly glowing, as the people in front of her are slowly starting to take their seats.

She uses the time it takes for the ones in front to get situated to do a little covert people watching. Some are texting away on their smart phones; others are reading paperback books or eBooks on their portable tablets.

People watching has always been one of her favorite pastimes. She makes her way down the isle towards the back of the plane where her seat is assigned. To her surprise, no one has sat in the other two empty seats next to hers so there’s no awkward maneuvering should she need to get up and use the restroom.

She checks her seat number with the ticket and is pleased that her seat is by the window. Since the middle or aisle seats haven’t been taken yet, Anica hopes no one else will sit in them so she’ll have room to stretch out. Of course that's wishful thinking, but one can hope. After putting her carry-on in the overhead bin, she takes a moment to take in all the sights and sounds of the plane. She hears the sounds of suitcases being opened, people talking amongst themselves, electronics beeping and seat trays being pushed up or pulled down.

Anica turns and tries to look out the window but the thin plastic window shade is pulled down. She lifts it up and looks out the window of the plane and is surprised to see how quickly the daylight is fading. The skies are darker and overcast as tiny drops of rain start to tap the outside of the window, slowly streaming down and changing the outside view to a mosaic of beautiful, bright colors.

She glances down and sees the marshaller wearing his huge earmuffs and waving his orange flashlights to the pilots. His movements are hypnotic and interesting to watch as his flash lights look like little orange light sabers. Anica looks back at the terminal windows to see if she can see Michele one last time, but can't. It's finally dawning on her that her dream of going to Europe for the first time is finally coming true. It's been several long years in the making with lots of pre-planning. While part of this makes her happy, she's also nervous and jittery inside.

She's never been away from home before, especially for so long with no family or friends. She can feel the butterflies in her stomach turning. This trip is a big deal for her, a new experience that is a little scary and exhilarating at the same time. Part of her wants to get up and leave, but it is already too late. Her bags are in the plane's cargo hold and the money is already spent. Like it or not, her journey has begun and there's no turning back. Anica fidgets and has second thoughts about leaving. She's about to get up when someone walks up and asks, Excuse me. Is this seat taken?

*****

CHAPTER 2

MARCUS

Anica turns and sees a tall, handsome man showing a beautiful smile. He's wearing a dark gray Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater that hugs every chiseled curve of his manly body. He's also wearing nice Khaki pants that match his sweater. His facial features are that of a European model with dark eyes, his short straight hair shiny and black, almost with an Adam Levine look that really works for him. Anica is spellbound as her jaw relaxes in awe of his handsomeness.

I hope not... she says not breaking her stare.

Hello, my name is Marcus, but you can call me Mark.

He extends his hand out to shake with a warm, friendly smile.

Anica places her hand into his and notices how smooth his hands are with such a nice grip, not to hard, not to soft. She keeps her hand in his as long as she can, not wanting to let go so she can savor his very gentle touch.

Anica Storm, nice to meet you Mark! she responds with a big friendly smile.

Mark checks the row number with the one on his ticket.

Row 29 Seat B, I guess we're going to be sitting together for a while.

Oh darn. Anica jokes as her eyes take in all of Mark's yumminess. He reaches up and opens the overhead compartment to stow his bag, and in doing so his shirt comes up a bit, revealing a peek at his lovely abs. Anica catches her breath as an unexpected wave of pleasure shoots through her body, making her quiver uncontrollably.

She grabs the armrest to brace herself, trying to regain her composure. She didn't expect the accidental show, but it brought a smile to her face with aftershocks lasting a good twenty seconds. Her eyes open wide at the incredible sensation that just occurred. 'Wow!!! What just happened?'

She shamelessly glances over some more at his body while he's preoccupied with settling in. Anica is making a mental note at how his face is rugged, yet smooth; his eyes also seem to express so much without even saying a single word. He's just so handsome that she could just look at him for hours and never grow bored. Even his masculine, yet gentle voice is soft on the ears. He can read a phone book and you wouldn't even notice. Her eyes follow his every move of his body as she looks in stunning fascination at how handsome Mark is. 'And to think… he's going to sit next to me!'

Anica closes her eyes momentarily to try and regain some semblance of herself, as she can't help but take in the smells of his soap, the cologne he uses. She's getting that tingly feeling again and it makes her shake her head up and down while smiling with her eyes closed. When she opens her eyes Mark's face is inches from her own, watching her in fascination.

Aaaggghhh! Anica pulls back instinctively. Mark laughs at Anica’s face turning bright red in embarrassment. Even though she's embarrassed from being caught off guard, she notices his laugh is infectious. She can't help but laugh too. Mark sits down in his seat next to her.

'Wow, this guy can't be real! He's just, what's the word… Perfect?' Anica thinks to herself. Maybe there's something, some deep secret he has... Maybe he lives with his mom? No… he's too well dressed. Maybe he’s a hit man? Nah, he’s too nice. There has to be something wrong with him. Maybe he's married! Look at his finger! Is there a ring? Oh please don't let there be a ring!'

Don’t be embarrassed, Mark says.

Anica looks at his ring finger and there's no sign of any ring, no tan line or rub line to show where one's been. Mark notices Anica is preoccupied with his left hand.

What's so interesting about my hand? asks Mark.

Huh? Oh… I was just remembering how soft and gentle they are.

Anica made that up but he seems to believe it. Mark smiles at Anica and asks, Would you like to feel it again?

Anica nods her head up and down several times. Mark raises his hand in front of her and parts his fingers. Anica wastes no time interlacing hers in his, squeezing them tight. They fit naturally in his as suddenly her body starts to quiver uncontrollably on the inside. Anica closes her eyes and smiles softly.

You okay?

Anica nods but doesn't say anything for about twenty seconds and then opens her eyes wide.

What happened? Mark asks.

Heaven. Anica said with a warm smile on her face. She sits back in her seat, still holding his hand as she collects herself.

Do you want to know a secret? Mark asks looking left and right to see if anyone else is listening. He leans closer towards her and whispers Between you and me... It took me several passes before I could build up the courage to talk to you, much less sit down next to you.

You did? Why? Anica asks with a bewildered look on her face.

You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?

No?

You are incredibly beautiful; you have no idea how lucky I feel just to be able to sit next to you.

If Anica were a block of ice, she would have melted in her seat; it's the nicest compliment anyone has ever given her.

Mark continues, There’s just something about you that is special... Unique. I can't put my finger on it. Anica looks at him holding her hand.

You know what I mean. He smiles.

You don't seem like all the other women and trust me, and that’s a good thing!

Anica's face starts turning red again as she looks away, smiling, as she can’t believe such an incredible compliment could be coming from such an incredibly handsome guy.

Thank you she says with sincerity. In her mind there's an inner dialog about if she should say something sarcastic like 'Yeah right, you probably tell that to all the ladies,' but there's another part that is unfamiliar with how to respond to that.

'What if he's sincere and telling the truth? Don't blow this Anica, what ever you do, don't screw this one up! He's perfect and sweet and oh my god is he incredible eye candy! Michele would be so jealous! You totally deserve him...'

A sniping voice enters her head at this point, the voice of self-doubt.

'No you don't.'

'YES I do!'

'Look at him; He's out of your league…'

'But he likes me; that makes him fair game!'

*DING*

*DING*

The overhead signs flash twice as the pilot's voice comes over the speaker to greet the passengers. The plane jolts a little as it starts to leave the gate. The sound of the oxygen hisses louder as it's pressurizing the cabin. Anica can feel her ears pop as the engine turbines rev up and down a few times as the pilot makes his preflight checks. For now this is enough of a distraction to silence her thoughts. Her heart is beginning to beat faster and her breathing rate increases as the plane begins to taxi onto the runway. Mark feels Anica's anxiety by her gripping his hand tighter.

*DING* the fasten seatbelt light goes on.

They both let go long enough to buckle their seatbelts, but quickly resume holding hands. She looks out the cabin window one last time to see if she can see anything but can’t. The skies are too overcast and the evening darkness has settled in. Her eyes start to water as a tear slowly falls down her cheek. Mark notices and gives her a tissue from his pocket.

Thank you, she says wiping her tears with her right hand.

Are you okay? Mark asks concerned.

No… She says, trying to be strong, but the thought of being away from her best friend is just too much to hold back the tears wanting to come out. They stream down her cheek uncontrollably as Mark leans over and gives her a comforting hug, letting her cry on his shoulder. After a few minutes Anica regains her composure and reaches into her pocket to pull out her cell phone. The wallpaper on her screen is a photo of them both laughing and being goofy together, snapped from an arm's distance away.

This is my best friend Michele. Already I miss her like crazy and we haven't even left the runway.

You two are very close, aren't you?

We're like sisters.

I take it this is your first time apart?

Yeah. *Sniff*

You’ll be back before you know it. Everything will be okay.

The flight attendant came down the row making sure everyone has all electronic devices are turned off.

Ma'am we need you to turn off your cell phone, just until we get in the air.

Anica nods and holds down the power button, shutting it off. After the screen went dark, Anica continued to stare at it as if she could still see the wallpaper of them both.

She’s battling breast cancer.

Oh No! Mark sat up, looking at Anica and listening intently.

"I feel so guilty for leaving her. She just found out last week."

Mark hugs her tighter. Anica rests her head on Marks chest as he caresses her.

I’m so sorry to hear that!

"She insisted I go, even though I wanted to stay and cancel. She said 'No, you go on! Have the journey of a lifetime!' "

Anica sniffles into a