Page 19 of Love Under Siege

ANYA: Okay, let me see if the restaurant will let me take some time off.

As we exchange our goodbyes, my mind is racing with thoughts and emotions that I can't seem to sort out. I try to distract myself by throwing myself into the endless list of farm chores, but even that doesn't quiet the turmoil inside me. As the sun begins to set and dinner time approaches, I realize that I have been so consumed with work that I missed lunch. The hunger in my stomach reminds me that my body and mind are both restless, and I'm not sure how to find peace.

I put down my tools and wander towards the kitchen, grabbing a slice of bread from the bread box and slathering it with peanut butter. As I take a bite, I feel like this is the closest I'll get to finding any sense of calm before I leave.

Later that night, as I lay in bed, I couldn’t fall asleep. Images of Anya, the ocean, and the peace she finds when she's there flash through my mind. I wonder if I'll ever be able to find that same peace, or if I'll always be stuck in this constant state of worry and restlessness.

When dawn breaks, I decide to take a walk to clear my head. The breeze is cool and invigorating, and I feel like I need to be strong for Anya. She's been through so much, and I know that the stalker threat won't be easily dismissed. But we'll face it together, and I'll do everything in my power to protect her.

As I continue my walk, the sun begins to rise, casting a warm glow over the fields surrounding our small farm. I feel a sense of contentment and gratitude for this place and the life I've been able to build here. It's a stark contrast to the uncertainty and anxiety that's been dominating my thoughts lately.

I enter the barn, the familiar smell of hay and horse manure filling my nostrils. I approach the stall where the horse that Anya rode the last time she was here, is kept. He raises his head as I approach, whinnying softly. I slip on the halter and lead him out of the stall.

We make our way to the pasture, where he grazes happily. As I watch him, a sense of peace washes over me. There's something inherently calming about watching a horse graze, its ears flicking back and forth as it takes in its surroundings. It's a simple moment, but it's enough to ground me in the present.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past week lift ever so slightly. There's still so much uncertainty ahead, but for now, I'm content with the peace I've found in this moment. Maybe, just maybe, things will turn out alright for Anya and me.

As I lead the horse back to its stall, I begin to feel a renewed sense of purpose. I'm going to do everything in my power to protect her, to find a way to bring some sense of peace and stability back into her life. And if that means facing down whatever darkness is lurking in the shadows, then so be it.

With one last look at the horse, I make my way back to the house, ready to face whatever the day and the coming weeks may bring. I know that it won't be easy, but if there's one thing I've learned from Anya, it's that even in the darkest of times, there's always a glimmer of hope waiting to be found.

My phone vibrates, and I see that Connor has finally responded.

CONNOR: Hey, I have the information you requested.

JACOB: What did you find?

CONNOR: Paul Michael Delgado, 27 years old, resides in Gilroy, New Jersey. He works as a mechanic at his uncle's auto shop, Lopez Automotives. Currently in Miami.

JACOB: Is he alone?

CONNOR: That's all we could gather, which is why it took so long to get back to you.

JACOB: So, he's not in NJ? How recent is this information?

CONNOR: Unfortunately, it's a few weeks old.

JACOB: So, he could still be in NJ then?

CONNOR: I can't say for sure, but I wanted to keep you updated. I'll continue looking into it.

I fling my phone onto the kitchen counter, feeling exasperated that I have nothing substantial to update Anya with. She messaged me earlier, saying she was on her way to my place and planning to stay until it was time for me to leave for training. It's been two hours since then, so she should arrive in about one more hour. In the meantime, I use the time to clean up around the house and take a quick shower.

After I step out of the shower, I can't stop thinking about the information Connor provided. Paul is in Miami, but that doesn't mean he can't be in New Jersey. My mind races with theories and scenarios, but I try to focus on the task at hand: getting the house ready for Anya's arrival.

I make my bed, tidy up the living room, and move the spare blankets and pillows to the guest room. As I finish, I hear the sound of a car approaching our driveway.Anya is finally here.

I hurry to open the front door, a smile on my face as I see her standing there, her eyes shining with anticipation. We embrace, and I feel her body relax into me.

"Hi, Jacob," she says softly.

I lead her inside, my heart aching for her. She's been through so much, and I can see the weight of it all in her eyes. As we settle on the couch, I take her hands in mine, wanting to offer whatever comfort I can.

"Hey, Anya. I'm so glad you're here," I say, my voice gentle and reassuring. "I know things have been tough, but we'll get through this together."

Anya leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder as she lets out a weary sigh. "I just... I don't know how to deal with all of this, Jacob. It's like I can't escape it."

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. "And like I’ve said, you don't have to face this alone. We'll figure it out, I promise."

---