after they met her

twentyeight

i v a n a

I lay in my bed, unable to sleep.

Every time I closed my eyes, those men flashed before me, and the fear that they would reappear gripped my heart.

What if they took me away?

What if I never set foot outside again?

I felt trapped in a nightmare that wouldn't end, even though I was awake.

I trashed around, my sheets tangling around my legs, adding to my frustration. It was ridiculous—I had been lying here for more than two hours now, unable to find peace.

My mind was a chaotic mess of fear and anxiety. Each creak of the house, each shadow in the dark seemed like a threat.

I hugged my pillow tighter, seeking comfort, but it did little to soothe me. My thoughts raced, replaying the day's events over and over. The gun in my hand, the terrified look on Ray's face, the seriousness in my brothers' eyes—all of it felt suffocating.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I felt so helpless, so small.

My mind kept returning to the moment in the car, when I had clung to the gun as if it was the only thing keeping me safe. I could still hear Matthew's gentle voice telling me to let go, trying to reassure me that everything was fine. But was it really?

Could anything ever be fine again after today?

After they took me in?

I sighed and turned onto my side, staring at the clock. The minutes ticked by slowly, mocking my inability to find rest. The room felt suffocating. I could hear the faint sounds of the night outside, a reminder that the world was still turning, even if my own felt like it had come to a standstill.

My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to shut down. I was scared—scared of the dark, scared of closing my eyes, scared of the future. I wanted to feel safe again, but I didn't know how.

I decided to go downstairs, desperate for something to drink. On tiptoes, I tried to reach the kitchen as quietly as possible, hoping not to wake anyone.

Someone cleared their throat. "Ms. Callisto, I hope you are not trying to run away again." I turned to see the same two men I had met during my first escape attempt. I shook my head wildly. "No!" I replied surprised, my voice too loud in the quiet night.

A door opened, and Matthew stepped out, wearing only boxers and holding a gun. This was a serious déjà vu. "What's wrong? What's happening?" he asked his men.

"We found the young Miss alone in the hall," one of them answered.

"I'm just thirsty," I managed to say, feeling embarrassed.

Matthew looked at me for a moment. "You guys can proceed. Good job for stopping her." They nodded in sync and resumed their patrol.

"Good job for stopping her," I mimicked sarcastically under my breath.

Matthew just snorted and shook his head, ruffling my hair. "Come on, I have a spare water bottle in my room."

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude, I followed him back to his room. The house was eerily quiet now, and the shadows seemed to follow us.

Inside his room, Matthew handed me a bottle of water.

"Here you go. You should try to get some sleep after this," he said gently.

"Thanks," I replied, taking the bottle. I drank deeply, the cool water soothing my dry throat and nerves.

Matthew watched me for a moment, his expression softening. "You okay, Ivana?"