“Not him. He’s dead. He’s dead.”
But who? Who would be watching her? Grabbing Squish and her purple blanket, she rushed into the closet. She had to hide. The only way to be safe was to hide.
But he knows where you are.
He’s coming.
He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead.
Gradually, she became aware that she was whispering those words to herself as she rocked back and forth in the closet.
Finally, she put her hand over her mouth to stop herself. It was creeping her out. She sucked on her thumb. She’d never been a thumb sucker until later on in life, when she’d realized the comfort it brought.
A noise made her jump. She cried out, certain he was coming.
He’s dead.
Then she realized that it was her phone. A text message.
But she’d left her phone out on the bed.
What to do? Shit. Shit. Shit.
She wanted to get her phone, but didn’t want to leave.
He was out there!
No! He’s dead!
A whimper escaped. She knew she couldn’t move from the closet, not until she’d calmed down. The flowers sat on the floor, mocking her.
Who could have sent them?
Was she overreacting? The note wasn’t threatening. It was flattering. Maybe whoever it was, was a friendly secret admirer.
Yep, she was likely overreacting.
But she couldn’t seem to move out of the closet anyway.
You’re up high. The door is locked. No one can get to you.
She didn’t know how long she sat huddled up. Long enough for her butt to go numb and the need to pee to pretty much override her fear. Slipping from the closet, she rushed to grab her phone. Still holding Squish and her blanket, she raced into the bathroom. As she peed, she opened her messages.
Two from Gray. One from Immy. One from Jenner.
With fingers that shook, she opened the one from Immy.
Immy:I’m done. Tell me where you are. I’m coming to live with you.
Before she answered,she checked the one from Jenner.
Jenner:Immy’s really mad at me for some reason. She said she’s coming to live with you. Can you get her to calm down?
Okay,this was good. A distraction. She cleaned herself up, washed her hands and hid in the bottom of the shower cubicle. She dried it first. She didn’t need a wet butt on top of everything else.
Maeve:What did you do, Jenner?
Jenner:Nothing. I just woke up and she was like this.