Chloe’s POV
The phone felt heavier than it should have.
I stared at the screen for a long time before answering. I knew it was Hilda before I even saw her name. She had been calling more often since the night I disappeared. The first call had been full of panic. This one would be different.
This one would be sharper. I took a deep breath and answered. “Hi, Hil.”
“Chloe,” she said immediately. “Where are you?”
Her voice was calm, but I knew her too well. That calm meant she was holding something back.
“I told you,” I said softly. “I am fine.”
“That was yesterday,” she replied. “And you said it very fast. You did not even let me ask questions.”
I walked slowly across the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. The room was quiet except for my breathing.
“I was tired,” I said. “Every
