23. I DARE YOU SERENE

My eyes worked on overdrive, trying to cover every inch of the house as I descended down skeptically. When I was convinced the house was empty I went to the kitchen to find pots I had not left on the stove and counter.

There were eggshells on the counter and bread crumbs. I peeked into the pot to find it black then I peeked into the other to find the same thing. He had barely got the egg out from what I could see from both pots.

I tidied and cleaned before I washed the pots. They took some time. He had really done a number on those eggs. I just couldn't imagine someone burning eggs to such a point.

My stomach grumbled so I began making something for myself. I worked fast because if he came back, I didn’t want him to find me out of the guest bedroom. I did not know how long I would hide there but as long as I could. It was a matter of life and death.

The noodles were steaming, chopping the vegetables, then I put them in the pot. I bent to grab a bowl.

“SERENE!”

I jumped, the back