Anastasia finally picked up herself, wiping the tears that blurred her vision, and stood from the hidden corner where she'd been crouched, completely unnoticed.
Her legs felt weak, as though they'd barely carry her weight, but she forced herself forward.
"Where should I go?" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "I have nowhere to go."
She glanced down at her phone. Dozens of missed calls. Mason. Grandpa. Even Sandra.
Her thumb hovered over Mason's name for a second longer. Her heart clenched, but she couldn't bring herself to answer. Not now. Not yet.
Flagging down a taxi at the side of the road, she climbed in with hesitation. The driver gave her a polite nod.
"Where do you wish to go, ma'am?" he asked gently.
Anastasia hesitated. Her voice cracked as she answered, "Just keep driving... I'll tell you when to stop."
The driver looked at her through the rearview mirror, concern flickering in his eyes, but he nodded without another word and started the car.
