Kessler held me firmly, his warmth giving me a sense of security despite my worries. "Eva, we'll face this together. Your dad has the right to know me, and I want him to accept me—not just for you, but because I don't want you to have to choose between us."I hugged him back, trying to calm my nerves. "You're right. This is an opportunity for him to understand us better."I returned to class, though my mind remained preoccupied with that night's dinner. I tried to focus on the lesson, but the hours dragged by. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. I gathered my things and headed to the exit, where Kessler and Lucas were already waiting for me."Ready to go see Kessler's mom?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic."Yeah, let's go," Lucas replied. "The sooner we get information about Riley, the better."We walked together to Kessler's house. Kessler's mom, a middle-aged woman with dark hair and piercing eyes, greeted us with a warm smile. She invited us into the
Kessler held me firmly, his warmth giving me a sense of security despite my worries. "Eva, we'll face this together. Your dad has the right to know me, and I want him to accept me—not just for you, but because I don't want you to have to choose between us."I hugged him back, trying to calm my nerves. "You're right. This is an opportunity for him to understand us better."I returned to class, though my mind remained preoccupied with that night's dinner. I tried to focus on the lesson, but the hours dragged by. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. I gathered my things and headed to the exit, where Kessler and Lucas were already waiting for me."Ready to go see Kessler's mom?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic."Yeah, let's go," Lucas replied. "The sooner we get information about Riley, the better."We walked together to Kessler's house. Kessler's mom, a middle-aged woman with dark hair and piercing eyes, greeted us with a warm smile. She invited us into the
I woke up in the darkness, my head throbbing with pain and the memories of the attack only just beginning to return. I tried to move, but my hands were tied, and a gag pressed against my lips. Desperation engulfed me, but I fought to stay calm.I heard footsteps approaching and tried to adjust my eyes to the dim light. A figure emerged against a faint light coming from some window. It was Riley."Well, well," she said in a mocking voice. "Look who finally decided to join the party."I tried to scream, but the gag muffled any sound. Riley approached and crouched in front of me, her eyes filled with insane fury."Don't worry, Eva. I won't hurt you... yet. I just want Kessler to see what happens when someone gets in my way."I struggled against the ropes, but they were tightly bound. Riley stood up and began pacing back and forth, clearly relishing her moment of power."Your boyfriend and his stupid friend think they can stop me, but they don't know who they're dealing with. My family ha
The following days were a whirlwind of emotions and events. News of Riley's attack spread quickly through the community, and concern for my well-being became palpable among friends and neighbors. Although I appreciated the support, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.Kessler and Lucas took turns staying with me, ensuring I was never alone. My father was also more present and protective, something I hadn't seen in him for a long time. However, fear and anxiety still haunted me during moments of solitude.One afternoon, while Kessler and I were in the garden trying to distract ourselves with a game of chess, Kessler's phone rang. I saw his expression change as he read the message."It's from the clinic," he said, glancing at me. "They want to talk to you about Riley."A knot formed in my stomach. I didn't know if I was ready to face that conversation, but I also understood that it was necessary for my recovery."Okay," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Let's go."We
"Thanks for the information, Marissa, but I trust that Riley won't be able to do anything to us while she's locked up in that asylum. Tell her that her attempts will be thwarted by Kessler," I added. "Thanks, see you," I said goodbye to her and went back to the party with the others."Is everything okay?" Jonny inquired.I nodded."Did the girl leave?" Lottie wanted to know.I nodded."I don't want to think about it anymore," I told them. "I just want to have fun," I smiled."Let's go to the lake!" Jonny exclaimed, picking me up and carrying me to the lake.The atmosphere at the party relaxed once Marissa left. Jonny carried me easily, laughing as he took me to the lake. Lottie followed us closely, laughing and enjoying the moment. I decided to set aside my worries and focus on having fun.The lake water was cool and clear, reflecting the full moon's light. Jonny carefully put me down at the shore, and the cold water on my feet made me laugh."This is great!" Lottie exclaimed, splashi
The way back home was silent, each of us immersed in our own thoughts. The cold night air felt heavier, laden with the recent events. The lights from the houses passed by us like silent beacons, mute witnesses to our turmoil.Kessler didn't let go of my hand throughout the journey. I felt the strength and warmth of his grip, a constant reminder of his protective presence. My thoughts kept returning to the moments of terror at the lake, the image of the wolves chasing my friends, and Kessler and Jonny's heroism in facing them to save us.Upon arriving home, my father insisted I go straight to my room to rest. Kessler stayed to talk to him, probably trying to calm him and assure him that situations like this wouldn't happen again. I climbed the stairs slowly, my legs still trembling from the adrenaline and fear.Once in my room, I collapsed on the bed, feeling the weight of everything that had happened. I couldn't help the tears that began to flow down my cheeks. I cried silently, relea
Outside, the sky threatened to rain, the somber atmosphere reflecting our mood. Lottie and I left Kessler's house, heading towards the cemetery. All of this was terrible. Everything changed overnight. We didn't know what would happen today or by the end of the day. It was horrible to live in fear.We walked in silence, each lost in our thoughts, walking through the streets until we reached the cemetery. The cold wind blew, making me wrap myself tighter in my jacket. As we approached, I could see the families of the deceased, gathered in small groups, their faces marked by sadness and despair."Eva, Lottie," whispered Kessler, who had decided to accompany us. "We must be strong. This is a difficult time, but being here shows our respect and support."I nodded, grateful for his presence. Upon reaching the burial site, we joined the silent crowd. The ceremony was solemn and filled with pain. I looked around, seeing the familiar faces of classmates, their expressions reflecting the same p
I went to my room to clear my thoughts. The day had been exhausting, I was exhausted, and I didn’t even realize what time I had fallen asleep. Dad’s voice calling me to dinner woke me up.I went down to the kitchen.“I brought pizza, honey,” Dad said, smiling. “I thought you’d like something easy and quick.”“Thanks, Dad,” I replied, trying to sound enthusiastic despite my tiredness. I sat at the table, and he served me a slice.We sat in silence for a moment, eating. Dad watched me with a mix of concern and curiosity. He knew something was bothering me but didn’t want to push.“Everything okay, Eva?” he finally asked, breaking the silence.I nodded slowly, trying to seem calm. “Yes, it’s just been a long day. A lot to think about.”Dad frowned slightly but didn’t press further. “Well, if you need to talk, I’m here. And if not, we always have pizza to lift our spirits.”I smiled, grateful for his attempt to cheer me up. “Thanks, Dad. Really.”We finished eating in comfortable silence.