Chapter 43

I just ran away from the apartments, away from Jonathan and Jake. I was running as fast as I could, holding onto the container with the blood. It was cold outside and the air was daggering my lungs like ice daggers. For the first time in my life, I was not running with the wind, but against it. I pushed and pushed, not paying attention to where I was running to.

I wanted the run to be harder so I went uphill. As I was getting tired, High Wycombe was waking up. I looked around and realised I ran all the way to the oak tree. When I saw him, I simply collapsed. My face was wet - I had to be crying the whole time.

I wanted to be alone, but there was still Annie in my skin hiding somewhere. I could feel her mother as well. It just felt too crowded even for me. Maybe I could let them take over. Let the memories and their feelings take over. Would anyone notice that I was gone? I wanted to be sure that I would be missed - though of course, it was impossible to find out.