70 Echoes in the Steam
70 Echoes in the Steam
Elara’s night with Cora had been surprisingly peaceful. After braiding her daughter’s hair “the special way,” they’d read three bedtime stories together. When Cora had. sleepily asked her to stay, Elara couldn’t refuse. She’d spent the night in her daughter’s princess–themed bedroom, curled up beside her small form.
Morning arrived with harsh clarity. Damien hadn’t come home last night. Not even a text message asking about their daughter.
Elara dressed in silence, selecting a simple blouse and pencil skirt. She brushed her hair methodically while Cora bounced around her, suddenly full of chatter about school projects and playground politics.
“Can you take me to school today, Mommy? Cora asked, her eyes bright with hope.
Elara paused mid–brush. “Of course,” she replied, unable to hide her surprise. “I’d love
to.”
For months, Cora had insisted on Damien driving her to school, often mentioning that Vivienne sometimes joined them. Today’s request felt like a precious gift.
At breakfast, Hannah approached with a troubled expression. “Mrs. Thorne, Mr. Thorne called. He asked if you could pack Cora’s overnight bag. She’ll be staying with him at Ms. Dubois‘ lake house this weekend.”
“Iv
Elara’s spoon clinked against her cereal bowl. “I wasn’t aware of any weekend plans.”
Hannah’s sympathetic glance spoke volumes. “He said it was decided last week.”
Cora looked up from her pancakes. “Auntie Vivi has a new boat! She’s going to teach me
to fish!”
Elara nodded mechanically, swallowing the bitter taste in her mouth. Another weekend activity planned without her knowledge. Another memory she wouldn’t be part of.
The drive to Cora’s school provided a welcome distraction. Cora chattered endlessly about her friends and teachers, occasionally pointing out landmarks as if Elara had. never driven this route before.
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“Auntie Vivi says I’m getting really good at math, Cora announced proudly.
“That’s wonderful,” Elara managed, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “You’ve always- been clever with numbers.”
When they arrived at the school gates, Cora surprised her with a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing off to join her friends. Elara watched her disappear into the building, that familiar ache spreading through her chest.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Julian: *Team building weekend confirmed. Hot spring resort, Friday to Sunday. Attendance strongly encouraged.
Elara stared at the message, her stomach knotting. Hot springs. The last time she’d visited one had been a disaster–a family weekend that had ended with Cora throwing a tantrum and demanding Vivienne instead of her. Damien had been coldly furious, blaming Elara for not “connecting properly” with their daughter.
She typed back: *Not sure I can make it. Family obligations.*
Julian’s response came swiftly: *This is important for the project. The whole leadership team will be there. Please reconsider.*
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. She had no actual family obligations–Coral would be with Damien and Vivienne. The only thing holding her back was her own discomfort.
With a deep breath, she replied: *I’ll be there.*
The resort was nestled in the mountains, surrounded by autumn foliage in brilliant shades of red and gold. Despite the beauty, Elara felt tense as she checked in and settled into her room.
The first day passed in a blur of team–building exercises and strategy sessions. By evening, when everyone gathered for dinner, Elara felt drained. The constant socialization, the forced smiles–it all reminded her too much of the corporate events she’d attended as Damien’s wife.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Julian observed, sliding into the seat beside her. “Everything okay?”
Elara nodded, pushing her food around her plate. “Just tired. I think I’ll turn in early:”
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“Before you do,” Julian lowered his voice, “Henry’s been asking questions about your background. I think he’s impressed with your work and wants to know more about you.”
“What did you tell him?”
“Just that you’re brilliant and we were lucky to get you back.” Julian smiled. “I didn’t mention your connection to Thorne Industries.”
Elara felt a flash of gratitude. “Thank you. I’d prefer to keep my personal life separate from work.”
After dinner, instead of heading straight to her room, Elara found herself wandering toward the outdoor hot spring baths. A sign indicated that the women’s section was empty–a rare opportunity for solitude.
The night air was crisp, steam rising from the surface of the water in ghostly wisps. Elara slipped out of her robe and eased into the hot spring, wincing slightly as the heat enveloped her tense muscles.
She closed her eyes, trying to focus on the present moment: the warmth of the water, the distant chirp of crickets, the gentle splash of the small waterfall feeding the pool. Not on Cora’s excited face as she talked about fishing with Vivienne. Not on Damien’s absence from their home.
A high–pitched giggle broke her concentration. Elara opened her eyes to see a young girl–perhaps seven or eight, around Cora’s age–playing near the edge of the pool area. She wore pink pajamas and was clearly not supposed to be there.
“Hello,” Elara called gently. “This area is for adults only. Where are your parents?”
The girl startled, then grinned mischievously. “I’m exploring! My uncle is busy on his phone.”
“It’s not safe for you to be here alone,” Elara warned, moving closer to the edge. “The water is very deep.”
The girl inched closer to the pool, peering at the steaming surface with fascination. “Is it magic water? My uncle says it makes people feel better.”
“It’s special water from underground,” Elara explained, becoming increasingly concerned about how close the child was to the edge. “But it’s dangerous if you don’t
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know how to swim properly.”
“I can swim!” the girl declared proudly, taking another step closer.
What happened next seemed to unfold in slow motion. The girl leaned forward to touch the water, her foot slipped on the wet stone, and suddenly she was falling headfirst into the deep section of the pool.
Elara reacted instantly. She lunged forward, ignoring the burn of her muscles as she grabbed the thrashing child. The girl’s eyes were wide with panic, her small arms flailing desperately.
“I’ve got you,” Elara gasped, lifting the sputtering child out of the water. “You’re safe
now.”
The girl coughed violently, water streaming from her hair and clothes. Tears began flowing down her cheeks as the shock set in.
Elara quickly climbed out of the pool, wrapping her robe around her body with one hand while keeping a firm hold on the trembling child with the other.
“Let’s find your uncle, Elara said soothingly, lifting the girl into her arms. “What’s your
name?”
“L–Lily,” the girl hiccupped between sobs.
“That’s a beautiful name,” Elara replied, carrying her toward the main building. “I’m Elara. Everything’s going to be okay now.”
Lily’s small arms wrapped tightly around Elara’s neck, her wet pajamas soaking through Elara’s robe. The gesture reminded Elara painfully of Cora when she was younger, before the distance between them had
grown.
As they approached the resort’s main walkway, Lily suddenly perked up, looking over Elara’s shoulder. Her tear–streaked face brightened, and she stretched her hands toward someone in the distance.
“Uncle Beck!” she cried out, her voice filled with relief and residual fear,
Elara turned, still holding the dripping child in her arms, to face the man rushing toward them with panic written across his handsome features.
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