The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, but the light atmosphere was quickly replaced by tension as Constance appeared, her gaze reflecting concern. I continued stirring the spoon in the oatmeal pot, watching her approach.
“Did you sleep well, Constance?” I asked, turning to face her.
She sighed, running her hand through her disheveled hair. “Actually, I didn't sleep much. I spent the night thinking about everything you told me and ended up researching some things too.”
“Researching? About what?” I raised an eyebrow, curious about what could have kept her awake all night.
“Wolf pregnancy, Fierce. Or something close to it, considering your werewolf condition,” she explained.
I nodded, understanding the reason for her concerns. “And what did you find?”
“From what I found, you'll be giving birth soon. And that, Fierce, can pose a problem, especially when Dr. Ben Wilson realizes you've had triplets in just two months,” Constance explained, her eyes showing the worry she felt.
My heart raced at the revelation. I hadn't thought about the implications of this. Three babies in two months were truly extraordinary and would undoubtedly arouse suspicion. I swallowed hard, trying to process the magnitude of what this meant for me and Constance. I confess I was mostly concerned about ensuring the babies' health. Constance was right; we would attract too much attention if we stayed in Denver.
“So, what are you thinking?” I asked, as Constance seemed to ponder her words.
“What if we moved? Not too far, but enough to start over. Seattle seems like a good option,” Constance suggested.
“Seattle?” I repeated, surprised, echoing the name of the city I had heard of from movies and series Constance had introduced me to.
“Yes, Seattle. It might be a big city, but it's diverse, people are more open to unusual things, and we'll have a bit more privacy to deal with... well, the unique situation we're facing,” she explained.
I nodded, starting to see the logic in her proposal. “Do you think it would be enough?”
“I think it's the best we can do under the circumstances. Besides, I have some friends there, and we could start a new life together,” Constance said, smiling encouragingly.
“Seattle...” I murmured, pondering the idea. “And what about you? Your job, your life here in Denver?”
Constance smiled and waved her hand. “I'm already in the retirement phase, Fierce. I have no more reasons to stay here. Plus, I think it'll be good to start a new adventure somewhere else. Seattle can offer us a fresh start.”
I agreed, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. Moving to a new city meant leaving Constance's house behind, but it also represented a chance to build a new life for me and my children.
“We'll do it right, without drawing attention. We need to think through every detail, from selling this house to our arrival in Seattle. I'll expedite some things like your documentation, bank account, those human things that are enough to start anew, where no one knows your condition. It'll be easier to go unnoticed there,” Constance explained, looking directly into my eyes.
I looked at the oatmeal pot in front of me, trying to organize my thoughts. Finally, I nodded.
“Seattle, then. Let's start over.”
As we enjoyed breakfast, we began to outline our plans. It was the beginning of a journey that would take us away from Denver, towards an uncertain future in Seattle. Wherever destiny led us, we were determined to face the unknown together, protecting our secrets and ensuring a safe place for the triplets who would soon come into the world.
---
The atmosphere in Constance's house was permeated with the movement of preparations for the move. Boxes were stacked in the rooms, and the feeling of farewell lingered in the air. While Constance organized the details, a significant piece of news surrounded her: she decided to officially retire from the hospital where she had worked as a nurse. The announcement moved colleagues and friends, recognizing years of dedicated service.
While Constance dealt with the bureaucracy and the final days at the hospital, I occupied myself with arrangements in the house. I arranged furniture, and sorted through belongings to take and leave behind. It was a challenging task, but we knew that the move to Seattle was necessary to ensure the safety of the babies and us.
On an ordinary day, as I packed some boxes in the attic, Constance came home with a special glow in her eyes. She asked me to join her, indicating she had news to share. I descended the stairs and found Constance holding an envelope.
“What's going on, Constance? What's the news?” I asked, curious.
She smiled and handed me the envelope. “I have news for you, Fierce Silver.”
Upon opening the envelope, I found identifications and documents, all in my name, Fierce Silver.
“This is... what?” I stammered, still processing the information.
Constance smiled warmly. “Now you are officially a citizen.”
A deep emotion swept over me. “Thank you so much, Constance. This means a lot to me.”
She chuckled softly. “I'm not done yet. I also opened an account for you and bought a house in Seattle. It's registered in your name, Fierce.”
I looked at her, perplexed. “Why did you do that, Constance?”
She placed her hand on my shoulder, conveying comforting warmth. “Fierce, I consider you like a daughter and now, as the surrogate grandmother of the babies. I want you to have a fresh start in Seattle, a place to call home for you and the triplets. It's my gift to you.”
Constance's generosity was overwhelming, and tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes. “I don't know how to thank you, Constance. It's an incredible gesture.”
She smiled, stroking my hair. “You deserve it, Fierce. Now, we have a new life waiting for us in Seattle. Let's make this move the beginning of something special for all of us.”
This surrogate grandmother, who had become a crucial figure in my journey, was gifting me more than I could have ever imagined.
As tears escaped my eyes, I hugged her, thankful not only for the tangible actions but for the love and support she continued to offer. Constance was not only transforming our reality but also shaping the path to a promising future in Seattle.
However, in the midst of this moment of joy, a familiar scent filled the air. The werewolf instinct in me sharpened, alerting me to the presence of another of my kind. A mix of anxiety and concern took over me. Constance, noticing the change in my expression, asked what was happening.
“Constance, go upstairs to the attic and wait for me there,” I instructed, my voice filled with urgency.
She frowned, confused. “Why, Fierce? What's happening?”
“Please, Constance, just do it. Trust me,” I pleaded.
Reluctantly, Constance nodded and went up the stairs toward the attic. As she moved away, I opened the door to confront the source of the scent that disturbed me. My surprise was immense when I saw him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, maintaining a serious expression.