Chapter 329

As Evan and I got into the car, I noticed Elijah standing by the roadside, his deep gaze following us as we left. My nerves were still frayed. "What's up with your brother?" I asked. But Evan was too young to have any real answers. By the time we got home, it was late. I told Evan to wash up and get some rest. Exhausted from the day, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The nightmares came hard and fast. I dreamed of myself screaming, arguing, defending, and crying hysterically. In some scenes, I was running endlessly, tearing at my hair, losing control. Finally, I saw myself standing on a ledge, jumping and crashing into the ground below. Blood pooled beneath me as my broken body lay still. I looked at myself like I was watching someone else, a fragile, shattered butterfly at the end of summer. I woke up with a start, drenched in cold sweat, my heart racing. Clutching my chest, I realized how parched I was, my throat dry and scratchy. I slid out of bed, my