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THE WEIGHT

Author: JOSSY
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-18 13:47:12

I am trembling mess, the fear crawling up my spine like ice. I can feel Joe’s arms around me, his warmth grounding me, but it doesn’t stop the storm inside. His hands press gently against my back, his touch soft, trying to soothe me, but I can’t shake the overwhelming panic that’s tearing through me.

Mr. Jonathan is standing beside us, his face lined with concern, his voice low and calm. “Bella, take a deep breath. You have to calm down, okay? We need you strong right now.”

I try, I really do. But it’s impossible. My chest feels tight, my breaths shallow. My heart is beating too fast. I can hear the faint sounds of Jayden outside, making another call, his voice muffled, but it does nothing to settle my nerves. I need him to come back and tell us everything will be okay, that we’ll be fine, that our families will be fine. But deep down, I know it’s not that simple.

I pull away from Joe, my hands pressing against my temples as my mind races. “I need to go home,” I whisper, my voice crac
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