Chapter 51: : Chapter 50

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I wake in my own bed.

Someone has moved me, wrapped a blanket over me, tucked me in tight.

Did Dad see my scars? Does he know?

Across the room, another shape, wrapped in sheets.

Alice.

She’s home.

I crawl out of my cocoon. Drag myself the one million miles between us.

“Alice,” I whisper. “Are you awake?”

No answer.

I pull back the sheets.

A waterfall of blood pours out.

Soaking her nightgown.

Splattering onto the carpet.

Flowing into the bathroom, staining the grout.

Staining me.

Her eyes flash open, darker red than the blood.

“Help me.”

I try to stop the bleeding.

But it’s coming from nowhere.

From everywhere.

“Help me.”

Alice reaches out.

I fall back.

“I tried,” I scream. “I tried!”

She can’t hear me.

Just keeps bleeding and bleeding and bleeding until it fills the room.

Fills all the space.

And washes me away.