EPISODE 12

KEILAH

I watched as Damien stormed out, the air around him tense and charged. The other creep of a guy followed close behind, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I hated how scared I felt, how that brief moment when Damien grabbed my arm, turning on a monstrous face, still made my skin crawl. I’d stood my ground, put on a brave face—but now that he was gone, all that courage crumbled. My knees wobbled, and before I could regain my balance, they buckled, causing me to stumble and collapse onto my haunches.

I tried to catch my breath, but it felt like my chest was tightening, the fear and anger all building up like a knot inside me. Garbie rushed toward me, her eyes wide with concern, and for a split second, I thought about letting her help. But the second she reached for me, I jolted back, shouting, "Get away from me!"

She stepped back, startled, her eyes full of shock. "I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you—I just want to help."

"Help?" I snapped, my voice trembling wi