A New Life: Redemption of souls

Beatrice's dad came downstairs, his usual cheerful self. "Good morning, everyone!" he said, his voice booming through the house.

Beatrice's mom, Rachel, smiled and greeted him, while Perach just grunted and continued eating her cereal. Beatrice, on the other hand, smiled and said good morning, trying to hide her exhaustion.

Her dad noticed her tired expression and asked, "Beatrice, are you okay? You look a bit tired."

Beatrice nodded, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine, dad. Just a bit tired from yesterday."

Rachel chimed in, her voice disapproving. "You're not fine, Beatrice. You're pregnant and you need to take care of yourself. You shouldn't be staying here, you should be with your in-laws."

Beatrice sighed inwardly, knowing that this was a conversation she didn't want to have. "Mom, we've talked about this. I'm not going to stay with my in-laws. I'm staying here with you and dad."

Rachel's expression turned stern. "You're being foolish, Beatrice. Your in-laws can take care of you and the baby. You don't need to be here, burdening us."

Beatrice felt a surge of anger, but she tried to keep her cool. "Mom, I'm not a burden. I'm your daughter and I need your support. Please, just try to understand."

Rachel shook her head. "I don't understand why you're being so stubborn, Beatrice. You're going to regret this, mark my words."

Just then, Darana came rushing downstairs, looking frazzled. "Mom, I'm going to be late for work!" she exclaimed.

Rachel handed her a bagel and said, "Here, take this with you. And don't forget to eat lunch."

Darana snatched the bagel and said, "Thanks, mom. And Beatrice, what's with the lazy outfit? You look like you just rolled out of bed."

Beatrice rolled her eyes and said, "Shut up, Darana. I'm just tired, okay?"

Darana sneered. "Tired? You're always tired. You're just lazy, Bea. You need to get a life."

Beatrice felt a sting from Darana's words, but she tried to ignore her. "Just leave me alone, Darana."

Darana laughed. "Oh, poor Bea. Can't handle a little bit of criticism."

Rachel intervened, "Darana, that's enough. Beatrice is pregnant and needs to be treated with kindness."

Darana rolled her eyes. "Whatever, mom. I'm just telling the truth."

As Darana rushed out the door, Beatrice felt a sense of relief. She was glad to be rid of her sister's toxic attitude.

Perach, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up and said, "Bea, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Beatrice smiled and said, "Of course, Perach. What's up?"

Perach hesitated and said, "I don't know if I should say this, but...I'm really proud of you, Bea. You're always so strong and brave, even when things are tough."

Beatrice's eyes welled up with tears and she said, "Thanks, Perach. That means a lot coming from you."

As they hugged, Rachel looked on, a mixture of emotions on her face. She was proud of Beatrice, but she was also worried about her. She knew that Beatrice was strong and capable, but she also knew that she was vulnerable and fragile.

As the morning wore on, Beatrice helped with the chores, despite her fragile pregnancy. She tried conversing with Perach, but it was clear that Perach was struggling to connect with her.

Rachel watched them with a critical eye, her disapproval of Beatrice's decision to stay with them clear on her face. Beatrice knew that she had a long way to go to win her mom's approval, but she was determined to try.

As the day went on, Beatrice couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that she had a lot to deal with, from her mom's disapproval to her own fragile pregnancy. But she was determined to stay strong and brave, no matter what came her way.

Beatrice walked to the apartment, her hair packed neatly into a bun and a shawl draped over her shoulders. She hardly wore any makeup, just a light dusting of powder and a swipe of lip balm. She looked elegant and understated, a far cry from the frazzled and exhausted woman she had been just hours before.

As she stood at the door, she frowned, her brow furrowed in concentration. If she remembered correctly, this was the same apartment she had visited just last night. The one with the loud music and the angry occupant.

She knocked softly twice, but when there was no reply, she turned to leave. But then she heard the sound of the TV coming from inside the apartment. She frowned, her eyes narrowing in annoyance. What kind of person didn't answer their door, but left their TV blaring?

She grumbled under her breath, her hands on her hips. "Unruly person," she muttered. "No consideration for others."

She rummaged through her bag, searching for the key her father had given her. She found it nestled in a corner, a small silver key that fit perfectly into the lock. She turned the key, hearing the satisfying click of the lock disengaging.

She pushed open the door, calling out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

But there was no reply. The TV continued to blare, but there was no sign of anyone in the living room. Beatrice frowned, her eyes scanning the room. Where was the occupant? Wasn't he supposed to be here, signing the lease agreement?

She stepped further into the apartment, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. The living room was messy, with clothes and books scattered all over the floor. The TV was blaring, showing some sports game or other. But there was no sign of anyone.

Beatrice sighed, her shoulders sagging in frustration. Where was the occupant? Why wasn't he answering her? She had better things to do than stand around waiting for someone who didn't seem to care about their appointment.

She walked over to the TV and turned it off, the sudden silence a relief to her ears. She stood there for a moment, her eyes scanning the room once more. But there was still no sign of anyone.

With a sigh, she pulled out her phone and dialed her father's number. "Dad, it's me," she said, when he answered. "I'm at the apartment, but there's no one here. What's going on?"

Her father's voice was apologetic on the other end of the line. "I'm so sorry, Beatrice. I forgot to tell you that the tenant is a bit...unpredictable. He's a musician, and he often keeps odd hours."

Beatrice's eyes rolled in exasperation. A musician? That explained the loud music last night. But it didn't explain why he wasn't here now, when he was supposed to be signing the lease agreement.

"Okay, dad," she said, her voice resigned. "I'll wait for a bit. But if he's not here in 15 minutes, I'm leaving."

Her father's voice was understanding on the other end of the line. "I understand, Beatrice. Just be patient, okay?"

Beatrice sighed, her shoulders sagging in frustration. She would be patient, but she wasn't going to wait around all day for someone who didn't seem to care about their appointment.