Chapter 133

• By the time I wake, the room is quiet—too quiet. The chill on the sheets beside me is the first thing I register. Both Ruth and Lucas are gone, their places cold, as if they’d left hours ago. My heart kicks into a panic before I even swing my legs over the edge of the bed.
• I don’t think. I don’t hesitate. I sprint.
• The door flies open as I rush out into the living room, my eyes darting everywhere, desperate. The sight of Lucas standing in the kitchen hits me like a punch to the gut. His back is to me, shoulders tense as he stands over the counter. The breath I didn’t realize I was holding bursts from my chest in a ragged sob.