nside and locked the heavy wooden door from the outside. The only light came from a single, grimy window high on o

I screamed until my throat was r

et through. It landed on the floor with a clatter. A moment later, the screen lit up. Mich

e whispering in my ear. "I know you' re probably scared and

there, sitting on the edge of his desk. H

camera, but his words directed at Emily. "I love her more

eel physically ill. I wanted to look away, to throw the tablet agains

"You were a mistake. A burden I had to carry. You look a little like her, you know. Sometimes, when the li

my nerves. "Tell her what you' re g

friends, and they' re going to have their fun with you. And once they' re done, you' ll be no

the last of my defenses, and a gut-wrenching sob escaped my lips. I curled into a ball on the dusty floor, the shame and heartbreak so

screamed for my parents. I screamed for the girl

I smelled

imal and absolute, seized me. My heart hammered against my ribs, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. The smell of burning wood filled t

e wall, but it was too high. The smoke was getting thicker, stinging my eyes,

ghing and choking, my vision blurring. This was it. This was th

n. A figure stood silhouetted against the a surreal orange glow from outside. For a crazy, hope

t wasn't Michael. It was his grandfather, Mr. Davies, his face a mask of fury and terro

from him. He carried me out of the burning garden house and into the cool night air. I gasp