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Bind my hands.

Press my face down.

I shivered as the memory hit me. Cold earth. Rain.

I yanked my hand away.

Turned.

There had to be something else here.

A toolbox.

Locked.

I twisted the deadbolt hard enough to hurt my hand. My thoughts slipped out of focus. My pulse refused to slow. All I saw was car polish and rags and locked drawers. I picked up a can of degreaser and tested it before setting it back down. None of it would keep me alive.

I headed back inside. But the warmth inside didn’t comfort me.

No.

Instead I felt trapped.

I headed along hallways I hadn’t cared about until now. Empty places that were too cold. Furniture hidden under heavy sheets. Windows painted shut. Locked doors I wanted to yank and scream at. I turned sharply, scanning the empty halls again. I needed more. More dangerous. More of everything.

You won’t run now little one, will you? Now good girls… stay still.

My own breathing sounded too loud in the silence.

No.

No I wouldn’t stay still.

Not this time.

Hunger twisted my stomach. I licked dry lips and headed back along the hallway. Still no Mrs. Reid. I scanned the space and slipped into the kitchen once more. My eyes went to the empty space in the knife block. It wasn’t just weapons I needed. I grabbed an apple, picked it up. Grabbed another, pocketing it, then went to the pantry.

Cookies.

I’ll take those too.

A bottle of water.

I grabbed two more.

I hurried back out with my arms full.

The drawer beside the bed slid open once more. I placed the water and the food inside and lifted my head. The knife. The food. The water. I wasn’t preparing to run this time. No. I was preparing to fight. The thought settled deep inside me. It still didn’t feel like enough.

I left once more.

Locking the doors.

The house has rules…

I knew I was breaking them. I was okay with that.

I turned at the foyer and into the east wing, stopping a the first door. It was locked. Figured. I moved on. The carpet outside of the doors was more worn than the others. Someone returned here often. I lifted my hand, then hesitated⁠—