24

JUSTIN

For the second time in my life, I prayed hard. My entire body was focused on just one thing, desperate for her not to get a scratch on her body.

Don't take her from me too.

This feeling, tightness in my chest, sweat forming, palms sweaty and heart racing was far worse than the time I lost Audrey which meant Astrid had to be in an even bigger danger.

Don't make me lose her. I prayed again, repeating it over and over like a chant as I searched for her everywhere. I felt crazed. I was going mad with worry. Where could she be? Was she in danger?

Knowing I couldn't find her like this, and by myself wherever she was, I knew I needed help. I reached out to Jonah immediately as I paced around the hospital hallway. “Whatever, you're doing, drop it and watch for Astrid. She's gone.” I was thankful that his mind wasn't blocked when I reached out because he responded with just as much urgency as my tone had.

“What do you mean gone?” He asked, confused. This was the first time I showed a