Chapter 23

Later that evening, I found myself pacing around my small apartment, my mind racing with everything that had happened. My conversation with Mia earlier hadn’t exactly calmed me down. She had been supportive as always, but there was something in her eyes, a mix of worry and curiosity that made me even more restless. I knew she had questions about what happened with Cassandra, but I didn't have any answers. At least not any that made sense.

I decided I needed some fresh air. Maybe the woods would help clear my head. I grabbed my side bag, packed with an extra set of clothes, just in case. I’d been trying to master my shift lately, and it wouldn’t hurt to give it another go.

The sun was setting, casting long shadows through the trees as I made my way deeper into the woods. The familiar scent of pine and earth surrounded me, usually soothing, but tonight it only added to my agitation. I found a small clearing and dropped my bag on the ground.

“Come on, Emily,” I muttered to myself, tryi