The Heiress They Couldn’t Kill
Stars burst behind my eyes.
I lie there for a second too long.
Fear jolts me upright.
I crawl beneath a freight car, curling into the narrow space, dirt soaking into my clothes. My body shakes uncontrollably now, teeth chattering, vision swimming.
This is dangerous.
Shock is dangerous.
I press my forehead to the ground and breathe, slow and deliberate, counting again until the shaking eases just enough to function.
Footsteps echo faintly nearby.
Not close.
Yet.
I squeeze my eyes shut, every muscle locked tight, listening to my own heartbeat thunder in my ears.