Chapter 9 - Storm Survivor

Claire

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Eleven Years Ago...

Stars and dark blue sheets...

I've spent countless nights counting every single one of these stars. One hundred and twenty-three tiny luminous dots scattered across the expanse of these dark blue sheets.

At this moment, I'm not here. I'm far away, lost among the stars. I close my eyes, imagining myself twirling among them, each twinkling a distant universe, each gleaming a moment of serenity far removed from this reality.

His hand, rough and oppressive, forces my face into the bed. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to shut out the world. I'm with the stars. They are my escape, my sanctuary.

His heavy breaths echo loudly in the confined space, like a relentless drumbeat reverberating in my ears. I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck, a stark contrast to the chilling touch of fear creeping through me.

His voice, deep and raspy, is an unsettling presence, its timbre sending shivers down my spine. His coarse stubble grazes my sensitive skin, l