Rita's Unseen Destiny.

 As they arrived at the Newsyland hotel in Jinja, Laura couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. She had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and she was eager to spend some quality time with Carlson.

 But as they approached the reception desk to check in, Laura's excitement began to gather. Carlson requested two separate rooms, and Laura's eyes widened in surprise.

 "Two rooms?" She repeated, trying to sound casual despite her growing disappointment.

 Carlson nodded with his apologetic expression. "I am sorry, Laura. I know this might seem awkward, but I am still married to Rita. I don't feel right about sharing a room with you." 

 Laura felt a pang of disappointment and rejection, but she tried to play it cool. She didn't want to make things awkward between them, especially since they had just arrived.

 It's okay. I understand, she said, forcing a smile onto her face. "I will take the other room. " 

 The receptionist handed her an entrance card to her room, and Laura took it, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was determined to make the most of the trip despite the awkwardness of the situation.

 "Thanks," she said, smiling at Carlson. I will see you later.

 Carlson nodded, looking relieved that the awkward moment had passed. "Yeah, let's meet up for dinner later," he suggested.

 Laura agreed, and they parted ways, each heading to their separate rooms.

 Time went by like a rolling ball. As the day was drawing to a close, they had dinner together and parted ways to their separate rooms.

 The sound of the heavy rain and strong thunder and lightning outside was intense, and Laura couldn't shake off the feeling of fear that had gripped her. She had always been afraid of thunderstorms, and being alone in her room was making her anxiety worse.

 She threw off her covers and quickly got out of bed, her heart racing with fear, she grabbed her phone and rushed out of her room, not knowing where she was going, but knowing she needed to get out of there.

As she ran towards Carlson's room and quickly made her way to it. She started knocking on the door, her knocks becoming more insistent as the thunderstorms raged on outside.

 Carlson, who had been sitting on his bed thinking about his moments with Laura, was startled by the sudden knocking on the door. At first, he didn't want to open it, thinking it might be a hotel staff member or someone else. But the knocking persisted, and he could sense a hint of desperation in the knocks.

 Curious, Carlson got up from his bed and made his way to the door. He peeped through the peephole and was surprised to see Laura standing outside, her eyes wide with fear and her pajamas clinging to her body.

 Carlson's heart melted at the sight of Laura, and he quickly opened the door to let her in. "Hey," what's wrong? He asked, concern etched on his face.

 Laura rushed into the room, her eyes scanning space as if searching for a safe haven. "The thunderstorms" she said, her voice trembling. "I am scared." 

 Carlson nodded understanding and closed the door behind her. "It's okay," he said, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders. " You are safe now, Laura."

 As Carlson lay in bed, he couldn't help but think about the awkwardness of their situation. His room had only one bed, and Laura was already snuggled up beside him. The rain showed no signs of letting up, and Carlson knew they had to make the best of the situation.

 But as he looked at Laura, he felt a pang of uncertainty. How were they going to sleep in the same bed? It was a small bed, and they would have to snuggle up close to each other.

 Carlson's mind was racing with thoughts of propriety and boundaries. He was still married to Rita, after all, and he didn't want to compromise his values or betray his wife's trust.

 But he looked over at Laura, he saw the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. She was scared of the storm, and she needed his comfort and reassurance.

 Carlson signed inwardly, knowing he had no choice but to share the bed with Laura. He would just have to be careful to maintain a safe distance and avoid any situations that might be misinterpreted.

 With a sense of resignation, Carlson settled in besides Laura, trying to get comfortable despite the awkwardness of the situation. As they lay there, listening to the sound of the rain outside, Carlson couldn't help but wonder what the night had in store for them.

As the night wore on, Laura couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and contentment. She had Carlson's undivided attention, and she was sleeping next to him, feeling safe and protected. 

 As Carlson drifted off to sleep, he forgot that he was sharing a bed with Laura, he stretched out his arm, and his hand came to rest on Laura's waist.

 Laura, feeling the warmth of Carlson's hand on her skin, turned to face him in adaze. She leaned in and started kissing Carlson's lips.

 Carlson, still half asleep, kisses her back, lost at the moment. But as he became more aware of his surroundings, he suddenly realized that the person he was kissing wasn't Rita, but Laura.

 He pulled back, shocked and embarrassed." Laura, I am sorry," he said, his voice shaking. "I thought I was dreaming. I thought you were Rita."

 Laura's face fell, and she looked away, trying to hide her disappointment and pain. She had been hoping that Carlson would finally see her as more than just a friend, but now she realized that he was still stuck on Rita.

 The room was filled with an awkward silence, as Carlson struggled to process what had just happened. He looked at Laura, who was still facing away from him, and he felt a pang of guilt and regret.

 "Laura, I am so sorry, "he repeated, trying to apologize. I don't know what came over me. I wasn't thinking."

 Laura slowly turned to face him, her eyes shinning with tears. " It's okay Carlson, "she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I know you are still in love with Rita. I just, I guess, I was hoping that maybe you could see me in a different way." 

 Carlson felt a surge of emotions, as he looked at Laura's sad and hopeful face. He realized that he had been taking her for granted, using her as a distraction from his problems with Rita.