Mystery puzzle

As Joan stepped into the room, the air grew thick with tension, leaving an awkward silence between them.

Their eyes gazed sharpening into each other, with a sense of unease like a quiet moment before a storm breaks.

Rita had no sooner clutched her arms in fear than Alexia, her brown eyes scanned with fear. “You're awake, Rita.”

“Dad,?” She called, separating herself. “Yes…”

“How do you feel at the moment?,” he asked, jerking his head toward her, where Alexia placed the washbag on the study desk.

“I feel better, though I still can't remember any pictures.” She said, still trembling. “If I recall, the car had a slashed with another in a tunnel when I woke up. But It knocked me out again.”

“It hit differently,” he said, stepping closer. His voice was low, as he touched her, but she moved away, sending a shiver down her spine. “I don't want to remember…”

“Remember?,” Alexis said, raising an eyebrow.

Her mouth was wide open, but no words were coming through. She was still shocked, trying to erase those memories, but Joan held her shoulders to calm her nerves.

“You need to be calm and still,” he said, hugging her while Alexia watched them from behind.

Not helping, she waved her head.

Rhoda joins them.

“You three are not coming down for the night Cracker?” She said behind them, her two gaped teeth showing in places.

“Because if not, the fire would burn out,”

Rita moved away from the bed at the sound of her voice, her body became so vibrant, ready to life again.

Alexia started to wonder if they were ever going to find a way to live together again, without being between two dads.

“How did you find yourself here tonight? Sister” She said, hugged her, her eyes flashing in excitement and joy.

Rhoda grinned a little, feeling so unease with her hug as Rita held her neck tightly.

“I know how to mingle my way out, my dear sister.” She said smoothly as she stepped away a little, with that infuriating glint in his eye. “And I'm glad you are better off, so I can look for trouble.”

She teased her, chuckled a bit, “Are we really doing this right now? Let's have a good night. Not just circling around a business that is never going to end.”

Alexia threw a surprising glance at Rhoda's words; she wasn't expecting her boldness and sarcasm. The tension in the room releases in a humor-filled one.

“Well said, Rhoda,” he teased, standing up from the bed. “I guess we are already now, for a drink and the firecrackers? It would be more entertaining than here we are,” he pulled them closer, smiling from ear to chin, clearly enjoying the comfort of the kids.

Rhoda shot back at Alexia. “Mummy, are you coming? I'd like you to join us in whatever we are doing tonight.”

“I'm right behind you,” She said.

As they stepped out of the house, the warm sunset and the moon danced across their faces, displaying a joyous glow over them. The air was peaceful with the sweet scent of simmering flowers and the distant crackle of firecrackers drawing them to start off the festive fun.

Rita's eyes sparkled like diamonds, looking around the beautiful courtyard, as she danced around Alexia and watched her daughter's carefree antics.

Joan's face creased with a warm smile, his brown eyes crinkling at every corner as he chuckled at the kid's infectious laughter.

As they made their way through the fireworks, the sound of solo music grew louder, their faces aglow with excitement as they searched for the perfect firecrackers to light up their night.

At the small piled high with colorful crackers, Rita's eyes grew wide with wonder. “ Rhoda! Look! Sparklers!” She yelled excitedly, tugging on her sleeve.

As they walked around the fire, their arms laden with crackers, Rhoda turned to Alexia with a beaming smile. “Mummy, can we light the sparklers now?”

Alexia smiled, her eyes shining with happiness and mixed feelings, as she nodded. “Of course. Rita. Let's go find a safe place to light them.”

As they made their way away from the fire, the sky began to darken rapidly, the stars twinkling like diamonds in the sky. They found a quiet spot, away from the fireworks, and began to light the sparklers.

The kids were all delighted, ther eyes shining with wonder as the fireworks show began, leaving a trail of glittering sparks on their faces.

Joan exchanged a warm glance at each other, their faces glowing with happiness as they watched their little kids bask in the joy of the night.

Her phone beeped in notification, her eyes flicked from Joan back to the kids. Ignoring the message. They were all that matters. Important.

“He's right next to you.” The message dropped, her heart jumped off, leaving her patience thin and slim.

Her eyes glittered while looking at her phone, but then, there was no humor in them now. “Who could send this? A fraction between life and death and everything in between.

She realized that her children were just a pawn in the game played between brothers.

Her eyes darkened, the message hit like a punch, and her mind began racing. Was the reality behind this? Am I really supposed to remain calm or confront him to stop the threat which could cost his child's life?

She froze for a second, processing everything, the weight of the warning hung around her face, the pressure building up with each second that passed.

“Mummy, the fire crackers are close to your finger? Rita said, her voice louder, trembling. “Drop the fireworks on the floor.”

With force, Joan threw it on the floor, leaving Alexia hanging in lost like a poisoned lost snake.

“Alexia,” he called softly, stepping closer to her, and his voice laced with concern while his eyes watched her closely.

“What's your mind roaming about, you can tell me so we can face it together. I'm here to protect you,”

Alexia looked at him, her face growing in fear under her skin, not knowing who to rely on at this particular juncture.

“Protect?” She whispered barely, searching for answers in his eyes.

Joan's lips separated into a small smile. “Yes, you never have to worry.”

“But I'm not sure, Joan. Not with you.,” she said sadly, barely not heard.

Before he could respond, she turned on her heels, heading down the entrance of the house, needing space to think. She wasn't sure what to do about the mystery puzzle she ought to solve.