Story Chapter 37: Unwelcome Visitors

Sunlight poured through the safehouse windows as Red Mirage continued her workout, moving through a series of exercises with steady determination. Her long black hair was gathered into a high bun, keeping it away from her face, while her heather-grey Calvin Klein sports bra and matching V-shaped bottoms made up her workout outfit. She finished another set, straightened her posture, and reached for a nearby towel to wipe the perspiration from her forehead. “Not bad. I can still keep up with myself,” she murmured with a faint smile. Just as she was preparing to continue, an unfamiliar sound interrupted her. A vehicle had stopped somewhere outside. She paused, listening carefully. Then came the sound of several footsteps approaching the safehouse. Her expression changed immediately. That many people? Who knows about this place? She moved toward the window, keeping out of sight as she tried to distinguish the voices outside. The footsteps grew closer, and she realised that whoever had arrived might be heading directly for her entrance. “You're kidding me…” she whispered, suddenly alert. There was no time to change into her usual clothes. She hurried to retrieve her heather-grey hijab and quickly wrapped it around her head, arranging the fabric over her hair before tying the front drape into a neat knot beneath her chin. She adjusted the folds with hurried fingers, then glanced toward the door. The sounds outside stopped. Mirage held her breath, wondering whether the visitors had discovered her hideout. Please don't tell me they've found me.