Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"It's a bit late for a visit... Even for you, this isn't your usual style," Tom remarked, casting a glance at the clock which was inching toward midnight.

Corley chuckled, steadying Tom as they moved toward the living room. "Since when do I need an invitation or a perfect time? You make it sound like I'm here for a formal appointment."

"Well, you being here is a rarity. With your schedule? I'm surprised you found the time."

"Grandpa, is that your way of teasing or complimenting me?" Corley quipped, a smile tugging at his lips. The old man burst into laughter, a deep, jovial sound that filled the room.

As Corley settled onto the couch, he felt something hard under him. He reached down and pulled out a book, Seven Days, its title boldly embossed on the cover.

"Hey, isn't this the book from my car?" Corley recognized it immediately, noting the folded corners he used as bookmarks.

"Yep! Snatched it from your car last time. Didn't expect it to be such a page-turner!"

"You read it?" Corley raised an eyebrow in surprise.

The old man nodded, "Got halfway through."

"So, you were sitting here, diving into this book before I walked in?"

Neely adjusted his reading glasses, "And why not? Is that a problem?"

"Are your eyes up for it?" Corley asked, concern lacing his voice.

Suddenly, from the rocking chair, Grandma chimed in, "I told him the same! Told him to download an audiobook app like I did. Just listen to the book, no need to strain your eyes. It's much easier than squinting through glasses."

Corley was genuinely taken aback, "Grandma, you're listening to this book too?"

Geneva nodded enthusiastically, "Come here, Corley. Let me tell you, this book is fascinating!" "Fascinating, how?"

"Listen to the way the first two chapters are described. Ignore the text; just listen and imagine the scene in your mind..."

Corley slipped on a pair of headphones handed to him by Geneva.

"...Lincoln is soaked to the bone, and

the rain keeps pouring. Suddenly, he spots a mansion ahead. His car's broken down, and with the night drawing, he decides to seek shelter from the rain... Approaching,

he sees two massive net

gates, adorned with silver-painted lifac blossoms at the top flanked by a row of angels in mid-flight, golden in color, with scattered thornbirds and bushes below..."

... Upon entering, the first thing that catches his eye is two crystal chandeliers; side by side, each with aquamarine pendants... The purity of that blue carries an indescribable allure, yet it also feels oddly out of place..."

"Do you hear it?" Geneva asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

"The wrought-iron gates and the crystal chandelier with aquamarine pendants..." Corley mused, surprised.

"Does it ring any bells?"

He nodded, suddenly making the connection.

"Think about it, where have you seen this in real life?"

Corley looked up instinctively, his gaze meeting the crystal chandelier above them, its aquamarine pendants glistening.

"That blue... it's exactly as described

in the book deep, rich, yet

translucent, reminiscent of the serene depths where the sea meets the sky evoking a sense of the profound and mysterious allure of death."

"Our chandelier?" Corley was astounded.

Geneva nodded vigorously, "Intriguing, isn't it? It's not just these two instances; there are others that eerily

resemble aspects of our home... It's uncanny!"

Corley shook his head in disbelief, "It must be a coincidence. The book mentions two chandeliers, and we only have one."

Despite knowing this, Geneva still found the similarity fascinating.

"By the way, Corley, do you know the author?"