Chapter 16

The footsteps behind me grew closer, confirming the two girls were indeed following. I quickened my pace, which only seemed to encourage them. Their footsteps persisted for a moment before finally fading as they gave up the chase. I hid in a stairwell, leaning against the wall and catching my breath. If only someone were here with me, maybe I wouldn't feel so alone. I shut my eyes as Andrew and Valerie's photos together replayed in my mind like a slideshow. Why wasn't anyone by my side? Lost in thought, I barely noticed when the safety door opened. A woman in professional attire entered, her back turned to me. She didn't see me as she pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a long drag. When she turned around, our eyes met. The atmosphere became awkward in an instant. Zoe calmly stubbed out her cigarette and remained composed. "Since I promised to see you, I'll keep my word. You didn't have to track me down at the hospital." I held up the payment slip in my hand in respon