A Chance to Heal

Damsel in Distress

Soon, the cries of their friend started dying down. And as they were halfway through the hall, they fell entirely silent. Leaving only the sound of their footsteps. Her heart leaped into her throat as they moved along. Trying her hardest to not let go of Quentin's hand and sprint ahead. To find out what was wrong for herself. It wasn't wise. She knew that. Had to keep telling herself that as they walked along. In a soft voice, she asked,"What are the chances that Nan just woke up and that's why we can't hear her?"

"Very slim, Kathyrn.",he answered. And she could practically hear the fear in his voice. Quietly, he continued,"Possible, but very slim."

Even if it was a slim chance, Kathryn hoped for it. Praying her friend was far away from her Papa. As he seemed to hate Nancy more than Quentin. Kathryn had spent more time with her than Quentin. Often having slumber parties at their house. Anytime they were together, he'd between them. Now and then glaring down at Nancy. Sometimes subtly. Other times outright. But she did her best to ignore this. Like she always did. Ignore his actions, the way he treated her friend, and finally him. Something that she could no longer do. There was no way to ignore him when he was invading her dreams. Able to touch her and hurt her again.

Nor did she want to. All she wanted was to bash his face in. Hurt him until he could no longer harm her or anyone else. Anything to make him hurt as much as she did.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Quentin asking,"Mind easing up on my hand there, Kathryn? I think I'm losing circulation in my fingertips."

Apologizing she eased up her grip a little. Feeling a little embarrassed that she let her emotions get the better of her. Turning slightly, she gave him an apologetic smile. Then she turned back as they walked along. Quentin asked,"Penny for your thoughts?"

"It's nothing to be worried about.",she answered. Not wanting to worry him more than she already had. Things were bad enough without her acting like this. She needed to push these feelings to the back of her mind. Keep herself focused on the present instead of the past. Especially if she was going to be helping her friend. While they walked, she stated,"I promise. I'm just fine. Just a worried about Nan is all."

Soon they reached the end of the hall. The door was ajar with soft light spilling out. Along with a weird scent neither could quite place. An uneasy feeling of paranoia washing over the pair. Exchanging a look, Kathryn opened the door and they strolled in. A low gasp escaped from Quentin's lips. It was his turn to squeeze Kathryn's hand too tightly. In a soft voice, he stated,"He brought us here. The boiler room."

"Why here of all places?",Quentin asked. Fear practically dripping from his tone. All she could think of to do was squeeze his hand back. Try to assure him that they would be fine. And that she was there for him. Looking around, she answered,"He's fucking with us. Don't let it get to you and don't let go of my hand."

Instead of saying anything, he squeezed her hand again. It was somewhat harsh but she put up with hit. Knowing full well that he was just scared. They needed to focus on finding Nancy. Just keep their focus on Nancy and her Papa. As they walked along, she listened for footsteps. Outside of their own. But so far, she couldn't. Nothing from their own steps and their breathing. Kathryn bit her lip as they made their way in. In a soft voice, she called out,"Nan? Nan? Nancy? Are you in here?"

"Nancy? Nancy where are you?",Quentin called. Both waited a moment to listen for Nancy's voice. All they got in response was roaring silence. They continued to call for their friends as they walked. After almost half an hour, a soft sob came from beneath them. It was almost inaudible it was so quiet. Neither of them could tell who it was. The pair glanced over the railing as they held hands. Unable to see anything thanks to a weird fog hovering over everything. Making it hard to see the ground. Kathryn asked,"Dumb question, but should we go down to investigate?"