I stagger blindly, groping at the wall to find my way. I try to fight the darkness that threatens to pull me under, but I’m powerless against its pull.
I fall heavily against the wall, my vision fading.
“Oh my God, Melody? Mel? Are you okay?”
Brenda’s voice pierces through the dark cloud trying to smother me. I gaze up blankly at her, unable to pull myself out of my head.
I’m in way too deep.
“What’s going on?” Brenda asks in a panicked voice, searching my face. “Abram! Let me get him.”
I grip a handful of her shirt in my hand and shake my head at her. I can’t let him see me like this.
Brenda seems to understand.
“Okay, darling,” she says in a calming tone, running her hand down my hair in a soothing rhythm. “Breathe...slowly, Melody. You’re fine. You’re alright... Yes, breathe in and out...just like that.”
I close my eyes and focus only on the soothing sound of Brenda’s voice. My heartbeat gradually slows, and it feels like I can finally take a breath again.
“Th...Thank you,” I murmur in a small voice.
“Oh, thank God,” Brenda says with a huge breath of relief. “I was so scared. Come on, let’s get you to a hospital. I wonder where Abram is. I’ve barely seen....”
“I...I want to go back home,” I interrupt softly.
“Uh?” Brenda says, blinking rapidly at me.
“I need to go back to Hudson,” I tell Brenda, hoping she sees the desperation in my eyes.
I need the comfort of home.