“Also, can I get your name for the order?”
“He’s no one. Just a friend. And it’s Clarissa Rose.”
My cup slips from my hand, hot coffee spilling all over the wooden floor.
No.
“What the fuck, lady. You just dropped your coffee all over my shoes!” a man bellows as he stomps backward, an irritated groan ripping through him.
My trembling hand moves to cover my mouth.
He’s no one. Just a friend.
I’ve heard those words before, too.
“Um, hello? Are you just gonna stand there and pretend this isn’t happening?” His annoyance is obvious, but I do nothing but stand there.
I can’t move. I’m frozen, watching two memories slam together into one.
My mother lying on a desk. A man hovering over her.
Eight-year-old me hiding behind a pair of jeans and peeking through wooden spindles. Heart racing, ears ringing from the three loud shots.
My brain goes into overdrive, connecting dots until the horrifying picture forms. My eyes widen and my lungs seize, but no air fills them.
It’s not possible.
“Lady, did you hea?—”
“Don’t. Touch. Her.” Brax’s commanding voice cuts through like a knife. His firm but gentle hands land on my arm, grounding me. “Erin, can you tell me what’s happening?”
I don’t answer, but I do glance over at him.
“Thanks, love,” the woman says, and there’s that click-clacking again, followed by the bell over the door chiming.
My knees buckle.
Brax catches me.
“I-I can’t breathe. I can’t be in here.”
The floor beneath me vanishes, and I’m left with the sensation of floating. I’m weightless as Brax’s arms lift me.
There’s a screeching sound, and then chilly air hits my face, but I’m not cold. My body burns as if being under the scorching sun all day.
I’m lowered onto a rough surface. The texture scratching against my palms.
“Erin, listen to me,” Brax says, his voice clear and confident. “You’re safe. You’re not where you think you are. Just breathe.”
But he’s wrong. It’s not just us. And I am exactly where I think I am—my childhood home.
I look down at my feet, coppery, dark blood spreading.
“I need to call 9-1-1. There’s blood everywhere. He’s dying, Brax. I have to save him. Please help me. I can’t do it on my own. Help me save my daddy.”
“Okay, Erin. Focus on your breathing. I’ll help. It’s gonna be alright.”
I glance at my hands. They’re painted red and sticky.
