Chapter 4

Craig glared at me. "Making you stay another year was our idea. If you're upset, take it up with us. Leave Gwen alone."

Mom's face hardened. "Bully Gwen again, and you're out of this house! Now go wash up and eat."

After using the bathroom, I sat at the table and reached for a breakfast sandwich.

Mom smacked my hand away. "You don't get to sit down and eat until you apologize to Gwen."

I looked at her. "I didn't do anything wrong. You locked me in my room."

Mom slammed her hand on the table. "So this is my fault now? After everything I've done for you?"

She raised her hand to slap me again, but Craig stepped between us.

"She probably just needed the bathroom. Give her a break." He turned to me. "And Diane, you're leaving tomorrow. Stop picking fights with your mom."

He handed me a sandwich. "Here. It's from your favorite place. I stood in line for an hour to get it for you."

I looked down and took a bite without answering. After the second bite, my stomach turned.

I grabbed the edge of the table. Before I could speak, Craig pulled my phone from my pocket.

"Maybe now you'll think twice before threatening to call the cops on Gwen."

I started shaking. "Did you put something in my food?"

"You're allergic to some medications, right? I put a little in your sandwich. Maybe that'll teach you."

He grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the chair. My knees gave out, but he dragged me toward my room.

He shoved me through the doorway. I hit the floor hard on both knees, unable to make a sound.

I lay there gagging as he shut and locked the door.

Each breath became harder to draw. I crawled to the door and pounded on it.

"Let me out! I can't breathe! Please, let me out! I need to go to the hospital!"

Laughter came from the other side of the door.

"Ready to behave now?" Mom asked. "What happened to all that attitude?"

"That's what you get for threatening me," Gwen said. "Try that when we're living together, and Craig will do it again."

"You brought this on yourself, Diane," Craig added. "Learn your lesson, and we won't have to do this again."

By the time they finished breakfast, I could barely knock.

"Please let me out," I begged. "I'm sorry. I was wrong."

Craig finally came toward the door, but Mom stopped him.

"Leave her a little longer. It'll do her good."

"Exactly," Gwen said. "We can let her out after our walk."

Craig hesitated. "But she's having an allergic reaction. What if…"

"She's still banging on the door, isn't she?" Gwen said. "She's just a little dizzy and nauseous. She'll be fine."

He let her lead him away. Their footsteps faded.

I struggled to my feet and searched for another way out. I had no phone and barely enough strength to stand, much less force the door open.

The window was open. We were on the second floor, but risking a broken bone was better than staying locked in that room.

My vision dimmed as I climbed onto the windowsill.

I pictured the woman in the livestream, standing on a rooftop in her wedding dress. For the first time, I understood how desperate she felt.

But I still had a chance to escape the future I saw.

With that thought, I jumped.

Craig cut the walk short. Still worried, he brought Mom and Gwen home.

They opened the front door to find several police officers inside. One lifted my half-eaten sandwich from the trash and placed it in an evidence bag.

All three went pale.

"How did you get in here?" Craig asked.

"We're here because Diane Murray reported an assault," one officer said.

He turned to Craig.

"You're under arrest."

Then he looked at Mom and Gwen.

"You're both coming with us, too. We have questions about your involvement."