I spent the rest of the night pacing around my home. The words I had exchanged with Emily played on an endless loop in my mind. The thought of running again terrified me, but staying put felt even more dangerous.
What should I do? I asked myself.
I paused by the window, staring out at the quiet street below. The shadows seemed darker than usual. Every faint sound echoed in my ears—the rustling of leaves, a passing car, the far-off hoot of an owl. Everything set me on edge.
I whispered to the wind, "Where are you now, Emily?"
My hand drifted to my stomach.
Was Emily right?
I pressed my hand gently against my belly, but the thought was too overwhelming to process, almost making me gasp for air.
A sharp knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts. I hesitated for a moment before approaching. Every muscle in my body tensed as I called shakily, "Who is it?"
"It's me," Emily's soft voice answered.
