[AVA]
I stumbled backward, my heart hammering against my chest. The sound of my mom's voice, high-pitched and panicked, filled my ears. I could barely make out her words, but the tone was enough to set my nerves on edge.
I rushed toward my bedroom, fumbling with the knob as I tried to get inside. I could hear her footsteps approaching, getting closer and closer.
Finally, I got the door open and slammed it shut behind me. My mom was yelling my name now, and I could hear her pounding on the door.
I stood there for a moment, catching my breath and trying to process what I had just witnessed. This was not real. This was not real. This was not real. I kept chanting to myself. My mind was racing, and I couldn't seem to focus on anything.
Then, the reality of the situation hit me like a ton
