Chapter 14
December 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
“I’m too worried about Carol to be much company,” I told her.
“But I just told you she’s fine.”
“That’s not the same as hearing from her myself.”
“Oh, so you don’t trust me?”
I threw her a look and went upstairs, shutting the door. I wished it had a lock.
Every time I came down for food, Brynn was there. I ignored her as best as I could.
I awoke the next morning. Still no message from Carol.
I found Brynn in the living room.
“Anything from Carol?”
She shook her head.
“Jenny home yet?”
Another shake.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“You know what’s going on.”
“This isn’t like Carol. And Jenny’s sister can’t be that needy. I’m surprised she’s still away.”
“She’ll be back soon enough. For now, let’s just enjoy each other’s company.”
I looked her in the eye. “I don’t think my company is yours to enjoy.”
A flash of anger appeared, then amusement.
I headed to the slider.
“Where are you going, girl?”
“To the station. Something isn’t right.”
Outside, I walked toward the storeroom to get my bike.
As I rounded the corner, I felt something electrically wrong in the air—like life as I knew it had ended.
Then I saw the flat tire.