desertion

107

LYDIA

It felt like I couldn't take a breath without someone watching me. Julian, Isabelle, and Miles were crammed into the bunks with me, sitting so close I felt boxed in. I was leaning against the wall, my knees pulled to my chest, staring at nothing in particular. My head throbbed, my body ached from exhaustion, and all I wanted was for them to leave me alone for five minutes.

"So..." Isabelle's voice broke the silence. "There's someone who has been watching you and taking photos?"

I nodded, not looking at her. She'd asked me that question three times already.

Julian shifted uncomfortably, wrapping his arms around himself. "That's creepy."

"Yeah, it is," Miles said, leaning forward slightly. "Have you noticed anyone weird around the house or, like, following you?"

I shook my head, pressing my palms into my temples. My head was pounding, and their voices were only making it worse. I hadn't slept since the window was broken-every time I closed my eyes, I felt like someone was watching me.

The door to the bunks opened, and Dad walked in with Buck close behind. "Are you guys hungry?" Buck asked, his voice lighter than the tense atmosphere in the room.

Julian, Isabelle, and Miles all said yes in unison. I stayed silent, not even glancing up.

"Bobby made extra," Dad added, crossing his arms as he looked at me. "You should come eat."

They all stood up, but I stayed where I was, curling in on myself.

"Lydia." Dad's voice was firm, drawing my attention. "You need to eat."

I shook my head. "I already did."

Dad's eyes narrowed. "When?"

"I'm telling the truth," I muttered, trying to avoid his gaze.

"No, you're not," he said, his voice softer this time. "You've been locked up in here for three days. You haven't eaten anything. You need to."

I sighed, dragging myself to my feet and following them to the table. I wasn't hungry, but I knew Dad wouldn't let it go. I scooped a small piece of lasagna onto my plate and forced myself to take a few bites. The food felt heavy in my stomach, like it was going to come right back up.

After a few bites, I pushed the plate away and curled back into myself, hugging my knees to my chest. My body was shaking, and I couldn't stop it. I felt nauseous and weak, like I could throw up or collapse at any second.

The room felt too loud, too bright. My breath hitched as my chest tightened, and I realized I couldn't get a full breath in. The feeling was familiar, terrifying. I knew what was coming.

I tried to prepare myself, but nothing happened. My body didn't seize, but I was stuck, frozen in place, staring at my plate like it was mocking me.

Suddenly, the blaring sound of sirens cut through the air. I jumped, my heart racing as two police cars screeched to a stop outside. I heard doors slam, and then Athena and another officer were storming into the firehouse, followed by two more cops.

They didn't waste any time. Athena's voice was sharp and urgent. "We need to get Lydia to the hospital now."

Dad shot up from his chair. "Why? What's going on?"

One of the officers answered, his voice clipped. "The envelope had Ricin on it. It's a poison."

My stomach dropped. Poison?

Hen was suddenly in front of me, her eyes wide as she crouched down. "Lydia, did you touch the envelope?"

I blinked at her, confused and still trying to process what was happening. "I... I opened it."

Hen's face paled as she turned to Athena. "We need to get fluids in her immediately."

Before I could react, Buck was scooping me up into his arms, his voice frantic. "Let's go."

Miles was right beside him, his concern written all over his face. "Is she going to be okay?"

I wanted to reassure him, but my body felt like it wasn't mine anymore. My skin was clammy, my vision blurry. Everything felt wrong.

By the time Buck placed me on the stretcher in the ambulance, I could barely think straight. My mind was a jumbled mess of panic and confusion. What had I touched? What was happening to me?

Hen's voice cut through the haze. "Lydia, stay with me, okay? Don't fall asleep."

"I'm tired," I whispered, curling into myself. My eyelids felt impossibly heavy.

Dad's voice was suddenly there, too, urgent and scared. "I know you are, baby, but you have to stay awake. Please."

I tried to nod, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. The last thing I heard was Hen calling my name as everything faded into darkness.