Elena's POV
I didn't sleep.
Even in Anna's guest room, with the door locked and the lights on, my mind kept racing.
Every sound outside made me flinch. Every creak felt like a step closer to something I didn't understand.
I kept checking my phone, expecting another message. Nothing came. Somehow, that made it worse.
By morning, I felt hollow.
Anna knocked softly and pushed the door open. "You okay?"
I nodded. Another lie.
"You're not going back there alone."
I didn't argue. I couldn't. "But I have to go pick up some clothes."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Anna asked.
"No, it's fine," I replied.
I had to go back to the house to get ready for work.
Callum called as I stepped outside. We were talking—nothing heavy, just catching up.
I walked toward my car.
Then I saw it.
A black box. Tied with a red ribbon. Sitting on the hood.
I stopped breathing.
"Hold on," I told Callum, my voice barely steady.
I called Anna. "Can you come outside? Now."
