With a gentle Vida assures her, “We’ll be there before you know it. Good night.” Vida disrobes and climbs into her own bed soon after. With a press of the remote the TV shuts off and the room goes dark. She settles on the bed and quickly slips into a restful sleep.
Hours pass and she stir slightly at the sound of thunder crashing outside. Lightning erupts and lights up the cracks in the blinds covering the window. Vida never let storms keep her up, but today is different. She is awaken by the thunderous booms and the faint chime of her phone. She couldn’t imagine who would be calling at two in morning but she sluggishly answers.
She sits up to grab her phone and lets her sheets fall in her lap. A voice immediately starts speaking on the other end. “Yes, this is Vida Capitani.” The voice speaks frantically. As lightning strikes outside. It illuminates her face showing worry and a sense of urgency. “Grazie,” she quickly hangs up the phone. “Shit,” she whispers under her breath.
Vida quietly climbs out of bed and gets dressed. She looks down at Lilah who is sleeping peacefully through the storm. Vida very carefully lifts her into her arms and makes sure not to wake the sleeping girl.
She knew it would be hard, but she covers Lilah from the rain as she slowly lays her in the back seat of her car. She grabs their things and locks up. In less than five minutes Vida returns the key, pays the bill, and drives off to Myrtle Beach. She didn’t want to worry Lilah so she makes sure not to wake her.
Vida is an expert driver and know how to speed and not alert attention. Most cops weren’t out patrolling at two a.m., but she wasn’t going to risk it. She drives her hours and finally reaches her destination. The storm is still strong, but she finds a nice hotel for the two of them. Again, without waking her, Vida carefully carries Lilah to their room and lays her upon the new bed.
Vida herself is thoroughly exhausted and it is almost seven in the morning. This is the first bit of relief she has though. She spent all night worrying about herself and Lilah that she couldn’t relax for a second. Before climbing into her own bed she gently embraces Lilah and strokes her hair. Finally, Vida undressed and instead of resting heads for the bathroom. She fills the tub and rests in the warm waters. She might not have gotten any sleep, but the bath definitely feels revitalizing.