Page 64 of Claimed by Him

Thirty-One

I just wanted to lay down and go to sleep. Never wake up. Everything hurt and going to sleep would stop it. All I wanted was for the pain to stop. But I had things to do.

Miles to go.

Miles to go.

My feet dragged as I staggered outside. Forward. Forward. Toward the sounds. Push back the dark. Keep moving.

Miles to go.

Miles to go.

Through the front door. Foot sliding on bloody tile. Down on one knee next to a body. Mrs. Khaled. She had the kids bring me cookies when Dad was hurt last year. Eyes open. Staring at nothing.

Up. Up.

Push through the pain.

Hold the skin together. Keep insides in. Ignore blood oozing between fingers.

Squishing between toes.

Miles to go.

Miles to go.

Bang.

Bang.

Bang.

Knock on wood.

Break wood.

Screaming. Crying. Screaming.

Miles to go.

Miles to go.

Toes bump. Don’t look down. Keep moving. Don’t look down.

Can’t stop myself.

Blonde hair-soaked red. Gaping smile. Wider. Wider. No teeth. Just gushes of scarlet and crimson.

Hot liquid gushing through fingers.

Not hers.

Mine.

Hers cooling. Thickening.

Miles to go.

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