Heart Murmurs Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Follow me below. This house was a stop on the Underground Railroad. A tunnel beneath the house leads the entire way to the center of town.” Her eyes flick to the setting sun. “We’ll have to hurry. I don’t do tunnel tours after dark.”
    I open my mouth to ask since when, but bite down the question. I watch as the group shuffles down the trapdoor stairs behind me. Beth shoots Morgan a death glare before the lid snaps shut over her narrowed eyes.
    I turn to Morgan. “We used to give night tours all the time.”
    He finishes setting the rifle, extracting the rod from the gun’s barrel. “Well, things changed while you were sleeping.”
    Anger at his flippancy rushes up my throat, igniting my words. “Excuse me? You do know that I recently had a heart transplant? That I almost died? That I couldn’t walk?”
    My emotions run so hot, flare so fast, now.
    I never had outbursts before.
    His eyes empty. “People die all the time, I’m afraid.”
    â€œWhat a terrible thing to say.”
    I feel the tears looming. I do not want to give this terrible boy the satisfaction. I bite the inside of my bottom lip, refocusing myself.
    His heavy-lidded eyes drop to the floor. He shakes his head infinitesimally. “That was horrible. I am sorry, Miss. Half the time I don’t know what I’m saying anymore.”
    My heart slows, but my mind is racing and my mouth is dry as I place a hand on the counter to steady myself. To try and keep my dignity.
    â€œApology accepted. I guess.” As I’m going to have to see your rude self everyday.
    He motions to the door. “I’m going to leave, before I say anything else I regret. Mia, please, don’t go into the tunnels at night.”

 
Chapter Five
    Morgan
    Â 
    The battlefield is tainted red as I stare out the stained glass. I fill my lungs. Breathe in, breathe out.
    I tire of this place. I don’t think I shall ever adjust. I know Beth meant well… at least I think she did, bringing me here.
    Or was it out of fear? I check the clock — she’ll be back any moment.
    Her laptop is on the sweets counter, open and humming. I know it’s dishonorable — but of late, I’m having difficulty with noble. It’s as if my former self dried up and blew away on the journey here. Like my bitter circumstances have finally taken root in my heart, and bloomed into an acidic man. At home, I was a man. Here… men my age are still boys.
    I stare at the screen, and the page is open to Beth’s email. It’s a letter to Edward, her husband, who is constantly traveling for work. I’d never consent to leaving someone I loved for so long. My throat constricts at the thought — but I put those feelings away. They will do nothing but harm.
    Dear Edward,
    I really need to have you home. Too much has been going on. I think I made a colossal mistake bringing Morgan here. He is utterly miserable, and rightly so. He did not ask to come — to be saved.
    I don’t know if my sister made the right decision, sending him to me. There’s something wrong with the tunnels, and Mia — well, I don’t want to put it in an email. Please write and tell me when you’ll be home. I have trouble staying strong without you.
    All my heart,
    Beth
    P.S. The pregnancy test was negative. Again.
    My teeth grind together, I can’t decide how I feel — but the constant vacillation is making me insane.
    Empathy floods half my heart for Beth — who so longs for a child. She is so very kind. Too kind. On one hand, I want to protect her, despite being ten years her junior. On the other half, the shriveled side… I want to scream in her face till I’m hoarse, till I make my pain, her pain… for being so selfish. Did I ask to live?
    She and her bullheaded, meddling sister.
    My conscience whispers in my ear. Beth isn’t the heart of your pain. You must move on. You