Page 129 of Broken Pact

My chest aches, fear taking residence inside my chest. I send her a final text.

Me: Please.

58

CORALINE

As I pull in front of my apartment and cut the engine, I take a deep, steadying breath. Pudding meows softly from the passenger seat, his wide green eyes trained on me.

“I know, fluffy cupcake, but we won’t be here long. I’m sure Jasper is gonna call me back any second now,” I murmur, running my fingertips over his little forehead.

Scooping up Pudding and the couple of bags from the pet store, I get out of the car and make my way up the front walk. I make quick work unlocking my door and entering my apartment. Pudding jumps down and immediately starts exploring, his fluffy tail held high as he sniffs around.

“Don’t pee on anything,” I warn him with a pointed finger.

He meows, swishing his tail back and forth.

“Let’s set up the litter box we just picked up, then you can explore, okay?”

He meows again and winds his way around my ankles, and I take that as an agreement.

I make my way through my apartment, flicking on lights as I go. The space feels strangely foreign, like I'm seeing it through new eyes after so many nights at Jasper's house. My footsteps echo off the hardwood floors, the sound too loud in the quiet stillness.

I pause in the living room, taking in the overstuffed couch and mismatched armchairs. Dust motes dance in the beam of light spilling from the floor.

After setting up Pudding’s litter box in the laundry room, I wander into the kitchen and set my purse on the counter. My phone clatters against the granite, silent and still no messages or calls from Jasper. The worry gnaws at my insides, an ever-present ache that won't subside until I hear from him.

I lean against the door for a moment, closing my eyes and trying to gather my scattered thoughts.

Who was that woman at Jasper’s house? And why did she seem to know so much about his life? There are too many questions without any answers.

I push off the door with a heavy sigh, Pudding twining between my ankles as I make my way back to the kitchen. I grab two of Nana Jo’s hand-painted ceramic bowls she gifted me and put Pudding’s fancy wet food in one and water in the other. He meows his thanks, rubbing his head against my hand before diving into his dinner. A small smile tugs at my lips as I watch him, grateful for his comforting presence.

The late afternoon sun slants through the window above the sink, catching on the crystal wind chime hanging there. Rainbows dance across the white subway tile backsplash, a kaleidoscope of color that momentarily mesmerizes me.

A sharp knock on my front door startles me from my reverie. My heart leaps into my throat, adrenaline surging through my veins as I freeze in place. Pudding lifts his head from his food bowl, ears twitching at the sound.

Another knock, louder and more insistent this time. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart as I make my way to the door, rehearsing all the things I want to tell him.

I twist the doorknob, pulling the door open and blurting, “Jasper, I’m sorry?—”

My face falls, my words trailing off as I take in the person standing on my doorstep.

“Hello, Coraline.”

It happens so fast, I don’t see it coming. A cloth covers my nose and mouth, and then I don’t see anything at all.

59

CORALINE

Consciousness returns to me slowly, my mind sluggish and hazy as I struggle to open my eyes. The first thing I notice is the throbbing pain at the base of my skull, radiating outward in waves. I try to lift my hand to touch the spot, but find my wrists bound tightly behind my back. Panic seizes me then, chasing away the lingering tendrils of unconsciousness.

I blink rapidly, trying to clear my blurry vision. The room gradually comes into focus—flowered boho wallpaper, knickknacks stuffed in a curio cabinet in the corner, a long, wide dresser with a small TV on it.

I’m in Nana Jo’s old bedroom. I’m at Magnolia Lane?

“Oh good, you’re finally awake.”

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