SERAPHINA:
My eyes are burning and my chest feels like it might collapse. He’s gone again. Why was I foolish enough to let my guard down? I fall to my knees. I don’t often do this, because prayer hasn’t gotten me anywhere before. I honestly don’t think anyone up there is listening to me.
But right now I’m desperate.
“Please, if you’re up there,” I beg with my hands folded. “Don’t leave me alone anymore. I can’t get through this life by myself. It’s just too much to bear.”
I don’t know what I expected to hear or see after praying, but the numbness I feel after my desperate cry is soul crushing.
Nobody is going to help me. Ever.
I begin gasping for air, feeling my pulse quicken and my heart slam into my ribcage.
“Stay calm,” I tell myself, struggling to control my ragged breathing th
