Chapter 14. Sorrounded

Rae:

We slam the trunk shut harder than necessary.

The noise cracks the silence around us, sending a flock of crows screaming into the dark sky.

We don't talk much after that.

Eliza climbs into the driver’s seat, muttering under her breath.

I shove my bag into the back and settle into the passenger seat, hugging my arms around myself.

She starts the engine.

It roars to life, loud and grating, like it's protesting being woken from a grave.

The tires crunch over gravel as we pull away, leaving behind the crooked old house that no longer feels like a home.

I twist in my seat, staring out the rear window.

The feeling's still there.

A pressure.

Like hands pressed against my back.

Watching.

Waiting.

I shudder and look away.

We drive for hours.

The highway stretches endlessly in front of us, lit only by the weak beams of the headlights.

The road feels deserted.

Empty.