Invincible

Aftermath

Chapter 9

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across Tori's room as she lay in bed, cocooned in the blankets. The events of the previous night felt like a distant nightmare, but the vividness of each moment clung to her like a second skin. She could still hear the echo of the music pulsing in her ears and see the darkness in Meur's eyes as he confronted Ryan.

Tori hadn't slept much. Each time she closed her eyes, she was back in that room, trapped and terrified. Even the warmth of the sunlight creeping through her window couldn't chase away the chill that had settled in her bones. She felt hollow, as if someone had taken a piece of her and left only a shadow behind.

"Hey, Tori," her mom called from the kitchen, her voice breaking through Tori's spiraling thoughts. "You okay? You didn't come down for breakfast."

Tori sighed, pulling the blankets tighter around her shoulders. "I'm not hungry," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her mom knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open. "You've been in here all day. Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

Tori glanced up at her mom, who stood there with worry etched across her face. She could see the concern in her mother's eyes, but Tori didn't have the energy to explain. The weight of the night before felt too heavy to lift, and the idea of reliving it made her stomach churn.

"I'm fine, Mom," Tori said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Just tired."

Her mom's expression softened, but the worry lingered. "Okay, but you know I'm here if you need anything." She lingered at the door for a moment before retreating, leaving Tori alone in the silence of her room.

The quiet felt suffocating. Tori picked up her phone, scrolling aimlessly through social media, but every post felt like a reminder of the world moving on without her. Pictures of friends laughing, couples kissing, and parties continued without a care for the darkness she had just encountered. The vibrant colors of everyone else's lives blurred together, a painful contrast to her own.

She set the phone aside, feeling a wave of nausea rise within her. Tori pulled her knees to her chest and buried her face in her arms, letting the tears spill over. The emotions crashed over her like waves, threatening to pull her under.

Why did this happen? Why couldn't she have just enjoyed the night like everyone else? The questions whirled in her mind, each one more insistent than the last. She thought about Alexa's mocking smile, the way Ryan had taken control, and how helpless she felt. The shame burned in her chest, and she felt like she was drowning in it.

After what felt like hours, Tori forced herself to sit up. She needed to do something—anything—to take her mind off the horror. With a deep breath, she pushed off the blankets and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The coolness of the floor sent a shiver through her as she stood up.

Tori wandered to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face in an attempt to clear the fog clouding her thoughts. Staring at her reflection, she barely recognized the girl looking back at her—eyes puffy from crying, hair a tangled mess, and a distant expression that spoke of trauma.

"Get it together," she whispered to herself, steeling her resolve. "You're stronger than this."

She changed into a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a loose t-shirt, wanting nothing more than to feel cozy and safe. A light snack was all she could muster from the kitchen—a few crackers and some water—but as she chewed, she felt the heaviness in her stomach persist.

Tori's mind drifted back to Meur. His protective instincts, the way he fought for her—it felt both comforting and terrifying. She could still feel the warmth of his embrace, the way he held her close as if he could shield her from the world. She missed him already, even though they had barely separated.

With a sudden impulse, she grabbed her phone and texted him. Hey. Just wanted to check in. Hope you're okay.

The seconds felt like hours as she waited for a response. She paced the kitchen, anxiety bubbling within her, until her phone chimed.

I'm fine. Just worried about you. Want to talk?

Tori's heart swelled at his concern. She hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the turmoil inside her. I don't know if I can.

You don't have to. Just know I'm here for you, always.

The sincerity in his words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, easing some of the tension in her chest. She took a deep breath.