The Shadows We Hide

Chapter 12

Zak's Pov

I cannot allow Cody to take away the only person who keeps me grounded. Not again.

When I find you, Cody, you will die.

My mind is consumed with rage and desperation as I think about Catherine and Cody escaping from me.

I will stop at nothing to get them back.

'''

Catherine's POV

I drive as fast as I can away from Zak, my heart racing with fear. I don't know where I'm driving to; I have no destination.

I just know I need to get as far away from Zak as possible.

But a small part of me hopes he finds us, hopes we can all be reunited.

I glance over at Cody, who's staring at me with a mixture of concern and determination.

"I know you love Zak, Mom," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "But you have to understand, he never loved you.

He was just looking for someone to place all his burdens on. Someone weak who wouldn't hurt him, so he could be on top."

I feel a pang of hurt and confusion at Cody's words

. How can he say such things about Zak?

Doesn't he understand that Zak loves me, that he would never abandon me?

"You're wrong, Cody," I say, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Zak loves me as much as I love him. He would never abandon me. I get that he's been harassing you and even me, but don't you get it?

We deserved it all! You never gave him a chance!"

Cody's expression turns angry, and he raises his voice.

"You say that as if you know what goes through his head! HE. IS. A. SICK. MAN!!!! He locked me up in the basement with little to no food or water! I could've died! And you're defending him?! Do you know what he's done?! He's a murderer!!!"

I feel a surge of defensiveness, but before I can respond, Cody continues.

"I understand that what happened to him was horrible, but he has no right to place all that on us! He's abusing you, Mom! And God... he hasn't left you."

Suddenly, I feel the impact of the car crashing, and everything goes dark.

When I come to, I'm disoriented and confused.

I check on Cody and see that he's okay, except for some minor injuries.

I look to my right and see Zak standing outside the window, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Zak!" I scream, trying to process what's happening.

Cody rushes out of the car and runs towards Zak, but I slam the door open, and it hits Zak right in the face.

I grab Cody, and we run as fast as my injured body can.

"GET BACK HERE, CATHERINE!" Zak screams, running after us.

Cody and I run through the empty streets, our hearts pounding with fear.

But eventually, Zak catches up to us, and he pulls me by the hair.

Cody tries to defend me, punching Zak across the face, but Zak is too strong.

He grabs Cody by the throat and slams him into the pavement, keeping his hold.

"Why do you always ruin things for me?" Zak says in a crazed tone, his eyes blazing with anger.

I see Cody struggle to break free from Zak's grip, and I know I have to act fast.

I slam my feet into Zak's face, and he lets go of Cody, turning his attention to me.

"CATHERINE!" Zak screams, his face red with rage.

He slams me into a wall and begins to choke me.

"I WILL MAKE YOU AND CODY PAY...!" Zak says, his eyes blazing with hatred.

I feel my life slipping away, and I know I have to think fast. I pray to God, asking for His protection and guidance.

I know I'm not alone, and that gives me the strength to keep fighting.

As Zak's grip tightens around my neck, I feel a sense of peace wash over me.

I know that God is with me, and that He will guide me through this dark time.

But as I look into Zak's eyes, I see the evil staring back at me. I know that I have to get away from him, no matter what it takes.

I pray for the strength to overcome this obstacle, to protect myself and my son from Zak's wrath.

As I struggle to break free from Zak's grip, I know that I'm not alone.

God is with me, guiding me and protecting me.

And with that knowledge, I find the strength to keep fighting.
'''