CHAPTER 41

CARLY

Carly finally stopped crying. Most of her tears had dried up on her cheeks. Her body was sprawled out against the stairs. Her back and legs stung with pain and any small movement made the pain that much worse. She was too weak to move, to call for help. So she lay there. Her eyes began to close slowly, and then just like that, she was out cold. She had no idea how much time had passed, but it felt like she had been lying there for hours, days even. She tried to fight it, but in the end she was defeated by the tiredness.

CHAD AND ASHLEY

Chad sat in his third period class, his eyes wandering, darting back and forth. He didn't know why. It was clear that Kahlan was out for the day. Part of him hoped that it would change and she would come in late. Ashley caught his glances towards the door.

"Don't even bother looking for her," the young girl spoke, catching his attention, "She's not here. You must've really upset her." Would she really not show up for school because of a little