Chapter 70:

JUNIPER.

“Fuck.” I say, as a twig connects with the hemline of my dress, the curse word feels so foreign to me maybe because I don’t say it often, Astrid always say it whenever she’s working in the kitchen, and accidentally slices tip of her hand with the knife.

Cleo says it all the time, it’s like she is used to all those words, but I am just a girl trying to weave my way through this evil filled world. The bushes and trees centre me as I take a step closer, even though I am always here, coming here feels so foreign.

A pang of guilt fills me hard, as though oxygen is ripping out of my chest, but I must do this, for my family. I tell myself, but does doing something bad for a good reason makes it all feel better?

No.

I sighed, making sure my hands are tightened around the bag’s handle; I take a deep breath, before walking more closer, in any minute from now. I will be there, I will face them.

The house stood nestled among towering trees, the porch adorned with flowers, she was always