Chapter 6

With my mind whirring through the possibilities, I don’t even notice that Rachel has moved up to the front door until the rapping of the heavy brass knocker permeates my thoughts.

The sound startles me, which is stupid, because what else did I think was going to happen? That we’d pull up, just look at the place, and then leave without a word? Of course, Rachel was going to rap on the door. And it’s just a damn door... so why does the thought of it send bile rising up my throat?

It’s not just a door to me. To me, that door is the start of my new life. A life I never wanted to begin with. I imagine this is what a prisoner must feel like the first time they see their cell door, not fully comprehending what awaits them on the other side.

Somehow, while my mind has been fighting against the reality of it all, my body has subconsciously carried me off the street and into the garden. Across the first barrier. I feel proud of myself, for a second, for ignoring the voice ins