STAY CLOSE TO ME
I pulled the gag off and she gasped for air—but before she could speak, her body went limp, collapsing into my arms.
“Melisa? Melisa—no, no, don’t faint now, stay with me,” I whispered, holding her tightly against my chest, pressing my face into her hair. “You’re safe. I’ve got you. I swear to God, no one’s ever gonna touch you again.” I don't know what I’ll do if she dies. The thought alone crushes something inside me—something human, something I thought was already long gone. But now, kneeling here beside her motionless body, I realize it wasn’t gone at all. Just buried. “Baby... open your eyes.”