Nine Lives Later

Lurgan College, Y12
1st December 2021

Knock, knock knock. Eileen knocked on Karen’s mahogany door. 

Karen inhaled deeply; Eileen was back. Her heart was beating fast as a drum. Her hands were trembling like leaves on a branch. She suddenly realised what she would have to hide. 

Taking a breath, she steadied herself, set down her book and solemnly walked over to the door. The sun shone mockingly through the gap in the door. She checked the security camera and prised down the handle. 

Eileen looked exactly the same as the day she left...minus the cat. Karen forced a smile, feigning surprise.

“Oh hiiii!” said Karen. 

“Hi!” said Eileen enthusiastically. “How’re you?” 

“I’m great, how’re you?” replied Karen.

“I’m a bit jet-lagged,” said Eileen, yawning. 

“I get that,” said Karen, shifting her weight from foot to foot. The silence was deafening. Little did Eileen know what was coming…