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In her half-asleep state, Kelly felt like something was off. She didn't know why, but her instinct nagged at her to wake up. Rolling her eyes open, she observed a familiar darkened motel room. The digital clock sitting on the nightstand pierced her vision, yet Kelly was able to read the time. It was nearly seven in the morning. Confused, she wondered why her body forced her awake. But then, she got her answer.
She heard someone moving around, but very quietly as if not to disturb the guests. Kelly managed to peek over her right shoulder without alerting the person just to get a glimpse of their silhouette. From what she could tell, it was a woman. Her tired eyes narrowed. Claire? At first, Kelly thought she was up to get a glass of water, but after hearing a zipper belonging to a jacket, matching her shadow form moving one of her hands up her torso, she thought otherwise.
Kelly, inaudible, watched Claire grabbing her boots by the door and slipping them on. She then reached for the handle, attempting to stay noiseless before the door crept open. A sliver of light pooled into the room, allowing Kelly to see Claire dressed in day clothing. Her red leather jacket clung to her back as was her long hair tied into her signature ponytail. One article that stood out from her attire was a duffle bag strapped across her chest. Kelly couldn't believe her eyes.
Claire gripped the edge of the door, facing the outside world like she was about to leave, yet she remained there. Her slender finger tapped against the painted stale white wood, her blue eyes darting to her shoes. For a moment, she looked hesitant about going through with whatever her plan was. Her manner showcased a downhearted appearance, and for a second her eyes turned glossy.
Without warning, Claire rotated her head in the trio's direction. Kelly shut her eyes so she wouldn't give away her position, but kept her ears attentive. A few still seconds passed before she heard Claire inhaling through her nose and then exhaling the same way. Kelly listened to the woman sneak out the door, being just as careful as she was previously, then heard the door close.
She shot up in bed, spotting Claire's outline passing by the closed blinds. What is she doing? Kelly wondered. She hoped she was overreacting and all of this was a misunderstanding, but the detective had to know what Claire's intentions were.
Hurrying out of bed, she raced to the entryway where a pair of tennis shoes sat. Kelly frantically put them on, then snatched a black zip up hoodie before swinging the door open, however, ensured not to slam it shut. Outside, a sharp chill nipped at her nose because the sun had not risen yet. Only a morning's pale blue sky met the guests of the bland motel or any traveler passing through.
