Shared Experience

Bailey

I feel powerless.

Anxiety gnaws at me as I lie in bed, my mind playing back the agreement that Tanner and I had brokered yesterday afternoon. I’d given him one last day to sort out the situation at the construction site. Keeping my side of the deal, I’d told Helen at the beginning of my shift that we were leaving town. The older woman had been supportive and understanding, urging me to do whatever I needed to do to get away from the swamp.

Now all I have to do is wait for Tanner’s workday to finish later this evening, and we’ll be free.

But it’s torturous, sitting here unable to do anything. I’ve already packed myself a bag and taken some money out of the bank. Other than that, I can’t think of anything else that I can possibly do to prepare, especially since we don’t even know where we’re going once we leave.

Tanner has a large family spread out all over the country. Maybe we’d be able to stay with a cousin or an aunt for a while until we can find somewhere to settle. Or perha