CATRIONA
The old man vanished as suddenly as he appeared, leaving the air heavy, like his shadow still lingered. My knees gave way, and I crouched, clutching my chest, my heartbeat hammering wildly.
For a moment I couldn’t breathe. My hands trembled against the floor, and fear clawed at my throat.
But then Jayden’s words echoed in my mind. That old man must be scared… because he knows Selena Jones is going to help us.
I closed my eyes, drew in a shaky breath, and whispered to myself, “Let’s bear it. We will overcome it.”
Forcing myself upright, I pressed my palms together to steady them and got back to packing. If I kept moving, if I kept busy, I wouldn’t crumble. Suitcases filled one after another—clothes, travel bags, medicines, even Abriel’s favorite toys. Every zipper I pulled sh
