“Baby, what is it?” she asks softly. “Nothing, relax. Why are you so worried?” I ask, reaching up and brushing the wet locks of her hair back. She’s wearing the shirt I had discarded not long ago. Her eyes flutter shut as I run my fingers down her neck. Her face is make-up-free, and she looks brea
ZAIA. I pull on my jacket, glancing at the unmade bed. Sebastian had left early and I’m about to leave for Dad’s pack. Since I’ve awoken I feel uneasy. I know something isn’t right at Dad’s pack and although I have taken every precaution possible, I still feel on edge. Am I missing something vita
I keep my pace steady as I slowly make my way to the doors to unlock them with my key, placing the bags down first, with my hand on my hip, just as I have seen our housekeeper do for years. If someone is watching us or has cameras, I can’t let anyone suspect us. Almost inside… This place is heavil
Standing up, I strip out of several layers of clothes and ready the gun I’ve brought. Just in case. I need to get Mom out of here, but I don’t trust using my phone not knowing who I can call. Who is close enough to come to my help? Dad’s strange message is now making me worry about him, too. What
ZAIA. I look down at my gun on the bed and trying to keep my heart steady, I grab the gun and spin around, swinging it at the person creeping up on me. It’s a man. He’s tall and clearly well-built, wearing black sweatpants and a hoodie. It’s all I see as a low snarl escapes him and he shoves me ba
ZAIA. “Dad!” I shout, “What on earth are you doing in my home? Without even knocking!” I come to a halt as I come face to face with Annette. She’s holding a cup of tea in her hand and looks shocked to see me. “Where is Dad?” I ask. She frowns. “Your father has been on a business trip for the la
“What number?” I ask, now frowning. “He never… Oh Goddess, I told him to pass you the number in person! He wanted to see the children before the business trip! Who knows if the number will still work and I worked so hard to get it! So he never stopped at your pack…” Realisation dawns upon her, and
ZAIA. Please say this is a lie… His words through the phone echo in my mind, making everything else fade away. “Zaia!” Annette’s distant shout echoes in my mind as I fall to my knees, broken. Sebastian left me. Tears stream down my cheeks as I clutch my chest. The pain I feel is far worse than