RINA

I got off the bed, my phone in hand, my joints popping in the quiet room, and slid my bare feet back into my rubber flip-flops. I didn't even bother looking in the mirror or changing out of my tight denim shorts and oversized t-shirt. I just opened my bedroom door, and began walking down the hallway toward the far side of the house.

The walk to the east wing felt like it took an eternity. Every step I took away from the west wing made my heart race with a volatile, intoxicating mixture of intense excitement and sickening dread.

The two conflicting feelings set my nerves so much...