Three days later, I was called for an interview. I go and am hired on the spot. At first, I was going to decline it, but that would've been foolish. Finally, I can gain some respect. Making a six-figure income is something I never imagined would be my lot in life.Lana and I work different shifts on different floors. I purposely volunteered to work afternoons. Occasionally, I'd see her in passing and during the monthly meeting. Naturally, we made up, but we're fake friends. A relationship is kept due to our sisterhood. After three months of this new income, I moved into a condo. It's rent to own. Once my income is established, I'll buy it. No one knows where I live. My address is listed as a P.O. Box. I don't need anyone disturbing my peace.The only people I had to boast to were Aunt Irene and Drusilla. I have a small housewarming for us three. Aunt Irene entered my home saying, "Oh wow, you have a lake view. That's impressive."Drusilla scowls, "You just had to beat us to it, didn'

Valencia called the police, and Drusilla pressed charges. Since we were out of town and this was my first crime, I was given a fine and released.Aunt Irene called, leaving threatening messages, but I blocked her and Drusilla. I should've followed my instincts and not allowed anyone to know my address. This is my punishment for wanting to boast, I guess. Wednesday, I returned to work, but things were different. I'm pretty friendly and talkative, but lately, I'm subdued and quiet. Going to lunch with coworkers never bothered me, but now I want to be alone.A middle-aged coworker I befriended, whom we call Winnie, usually hangs with me for lunch. She comes over to my cubicle, energetic like always. Massaging my shoulders, she leans in, saying, "It's break time," before she shuts my laptop.Quickly, I reopened it. Snippy, I say, "I'm not done!""Whoa. This isn't my Ajay. What's wrong?""Nothing," I grumble."Lies! ...C'mon Ajay. I got us reservations. We need to wine and dine this after

The wildlife fills the roads as if they know no humans are there. Car driving as fast as it can go, I speed to the villa. It's been less than 48 hours since we closed our borders, yet the island feels dead. The outside of the villa has debris on the walkway already. I enter the central area, and it's cold and dark, although it's midday. As I pull it open, the steel door's creaking echoes throughout the villa. Now, standing over the trap door, I exhale and snatch it with all of my strength, but it's unlocked. Hesitant, I scope out my surroundings and then call, "Micah! Are you down there?"He didn't answer, so I started climbing down into the bunker. The lights are on, and Micah is gone. I sniff the air and catch a whiff of decay. Heart pounding, I go around the corner, and Micah's lying in a pool of blood, yet breathing.Instantly, I carry him upstairs and take him to his room. Too weak to bathe or shower, I wipe him down with a warm rag and bandage his entire back. The whole time,

Running outside my door, I dialed emergency. The dispatcher answers, "What's your location?""1112 Pavilion Way. There's an intruder at my home!""Where are you?""Entering my car!"Once I opened the door, Micah slammed it back shut. I guess he was acting feeble. Although he's much thinner than before, he now stands tall and robust. Back pressed against my car, I yell, "What do you want from me?""I'm here to protect you, Ajay. You're in danger. Jude wants to kill you! He tried to kill me, but I was rescued instead."Soon, we hear sirens blaring. Several neighbors are outside watching when an officer asks, "What's going on here?"Pleading with his eyes, Micah then faces the officer, answering, "We had a disagreement.""Miss, is that true?"His eyes still begging over the officer's shoulder, dropping my head, I answer, "Yes.""Glancing back towards Micah, the officer asks, "Is this your home?" I nod, and he continues, "Do you feel safe here, or do you want us to follow you somewhere

I enter my apartment stoic. Jude comes around the corner saying, "I ordered dinner."My answer is a nod. Sitting, I remove my heels, and he sits next to me and pulls my legs across his lap. Massaging my feet, he asks, "How was your day?"Before I get lost in his magnetizing eyes, I ask, "You bit Phyllis, too?"Moving my legs, he walks away. Following him, I ask, "What? Do you get off from biting us? And I thought Phyllis was ignorant of what you are?"Jude goes into my bedroom, and I follow. He starts getting dressed. I ask, "What, you're running away again like always?""Move."He's putting on his shoes when I frown, "What do you want from me?"Hand on the doorknob and head against the door, he answers, "I need someone I can trust, Ajay."With my head against his back, I say, "You can trust me, but I need to know I can trust you too."Now facing me, he says, "I've never told anyone my condition besides you. If Phyllis said I told her, she's a liar.""My coworker says you bit her. She