Chapter 80

I jolt upright, the remnants of a dream fading from my mind as I blink, my surroundings slowly coming into focus. I am still in my living room, on the couch where I must have fallen asleep, rubbing my eyes, I wonder how long I have been sleeping. I have only meant to close my eyes for a brief second, but apparently, time has gotten away from me. The room is eerily quiet, not a sound can be heard except for the gentle hum of the air conditioner.

I rise from the couch, a wave of dizziness washing over me. I stagger for a moment, trying to regain my balance. I have closed my eyes for just a moment, intending to gather my thoughts about what I was going to do about Clarisse and as well as Mia.

Cautiously, I make my way towards the kitchen, guided by the faint light spilling from the open doorway. The cold floor tiles sent shivers up my legs as I step into the room, calling out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

Silence greets my inquiry, but something about the emptiness of the house doesn't feel