8

I sat in the dark closet for hours until heavy, swift footfalls approached the bathroom door. I pushed myself up against the shelves, trying to get away from whoever was growing closer. My heart raced, and I worried that I would pass out from fear. Or have a heart attack. In that case, I just hoped that I would die and whoever was in the house with me would see that I was dead and leave my poor body alone.

But that wasn't the case.

The person opened the bathroom door, making me cover my mouth, trying to hide my heavy and ragged breathing. I screamed when the door opened, my eyes wide until I saw a familiar face. It was my Uncle Adam. I had never been so happy to see a stranger in my life. I jumped into his arms, "What's going on?" I hiccuped. He enveloped his large arms around me, sweeping me off my feet, "I don't have time to explain, Isabella. It's not safe right now; we have to leave." He expressed it as calmly as possible.

"Why? Why isn't it safe, Adam?" I spoke as he carried me,