June's POV:
Hours pass—I think.
The overhead lights flicker again. Then cut out completely.
Emergency red floods the space, glowing like blood.
I hear footsteps.
I bolt upright, heart hammering.
Justin.
But the door doesn't open.
The camera above me pans slightly to the left.
Whoever's watching is still watching.
Still waiting.
Still feeding.
I pace now. Back and forth. Whispering numbers to keep the voices down.
One. Two. Three.
Justin.
One. Two. Three.
Justin.
"Where are you?" I cry.
"I know you're looking."
I press my palm to the wall, forehead resting against it.
"Please."
Tears slip down my face again. Silent. Bitter.
"I don't want to be crazy again."
I can feel her—the other me.
The one that came out when they pushed me too far.
The one that stopped being afraid and started to enjoy the pain.
She's pacing too. Inside my head.
Let me out.
No.
I beat her before.
I survived.
I built a life.
With Justin.
I can't lose him now.
The door creaks open.
