Six

“Six—wait! Please, don’t go!”

I didn’t turn back. I couldn’t bear to look her in the eye again.

“Please!” she begged.

I walked out the same way I came in, but everything had changed.

I didn’t know where I was going—I just needed out. Out of that kitchen. Out of that house. Out of this messed-up life I was living. It was all a lie. I thought I was keeping her safe, but I had endangered her.

The hallways blurred as I stormed past them. My footsteps thundered against the marble floor.

My heart was hammering like it wanted out of my chest. My fists clenched so tight, my...