Chapter 95

The flashing cameras captured every grim detail of the scene through the rain as black tarps covered the devastation. And just like that, it was over. The doctor gently carried Nora away and returned to the police station. Darren turned to me. "Ready to go?" I nodded. He handed me the umbrella and then bent down to scoop me up in his arms. "Thank you," I whispered. I was still barefoot, and every step felt like walking on sharp blades. The pain was unbearable. Later, after the doctor re-bandaged my wounds, I lay in a warm bed with an IV drip hooked up to me. Darren was sitting by my side. I looked at him and asked, "Can you stay tonight? Just for tonight." Darren's expression darkened with a mix of guilt and regret. "I'm sorry, Cassie. It was my fault for not paying attention. I won't leave you alone again." Hearing his words, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I closed my eyes, finally able to rest. The following day, after waking up in the hospital, I called Sheree and