CHAPTER 60
Ranae
In, out. In, out.
I focus on my breathing. Six counts in through my nose. Six counts out through my mouth. Again and again.
"Keep it steady," I whisper to myself, my voice barely audible in the darkness. "Just keep breathing."
When I concentrate on counting my breaths, the pounding of my heart slows down. The tight feeling in my chest loosens a little. For a few precious moments, I can almost forget where I am.
Then another contraction grips me, and fear floods back like a tidal wave.
"Oh!" I gasp, clutching my belly. The pain builds, peaks, then slowly fades.
When it passes, I'm shaking all over. "What am I going to do?" I ask the darkness.
My throat feels raw from all the screaming. Hours of calling for help, and no one has come. No one can hear me in this hidd
