My feet slide against the wet floor as movement catches my eye.
Down on the driveway, Torin races by heading towards the main road. His shoulders are rigid as he screams Gran’s name over the noise of the rain. Fear slices through me, and I fly from the window, hurriedly throwing on clothes. I tie my hair up as I take the stairs two at a time, flinging myself out the front door.
Torin’s voice manages to carry down the driveway from where it connects to the main road. My pulse races, and every fear I’ve ever had about Gran being lost or hurt since her diagnosis whirls through my mind. She must’ve woken up in a fog and left the Hall without telling anyone.
Terror begins gnawing at my chest.
Not again.Please, I can’t lose anyone else.
It’s too soon, we still have time.
My clothes are entirely soaked through from the pouring rain, and I use my hand to shield my eyes from the downpour. The repetitive, gravelly caw of a raven in the wooded area has me whirling around.Not now.The sound is unusual—like a cry for help.
The wind causes the limbs of the trees to sway, and like a mirage, Gran materializes between them. She steps out behind a large oak tree, still dressed in her pale pink nightgown that clings to her frail body.
“Gran!” I call loudly while waving frantically.
She briefly looks my way before turning to walk between the field and the wooded area, not at all perturbed by the storm. I yell at Torin, and he turns towards me. I throw my arms over my head and begin pointing to where Gran is.
Luckily, he catches my meaning and begins to jog my way, but I’m already moving towards her. My footsteps kick up water and mud as I race across the driveway.
She’s covered head-to-toe in splattered mud, and her eyes whirl around wildly. I approach her slowly, as one would approach a cornered animal.
“Gran, it’s me, Lena.”
Her wild gaze finds my face. “Bryn! They’re gone!”
“Gran … Bryn isn’t here right now; I’m Lena, your granddaughter,” I reply hesitantly, not wanting to trigger her and hoping it will calm her down.
Her body trembles, her nightgown ill-equipped for the rain. I need to get her inside. Who knows how long she’s been out here?
“You must go. She has to stop them. Bryn!” She raises her voice louder and begins throwing her arms around in weird movements, like she’s drawing something in the air.
Slowly, I take another step closer as Torin reaches my side.
“Gran, it’s alright, you’re safe here. Come with us to the house. We’ll get you cleaned up,” I speak slowly and softly.
Gran flicks her gaze to Torin, and relief floods her features. “Oh, Torin, she has to be safe.”
Gran cries and flings herself into his arms.
Torin wraps his arms around her and rubs a soothing hand down her back. He murmurs, “Aye, Adi, we’re all safe. Let’s get ye dry and cleaned up, shall we?”
They turn together and make their way back to the house. Torin wraps an arm around her shoulders, shielding her from the rain, and she nuzzles into his side. My knees find their way to the soggy grass, and my arms wrap around my chest, trying to hold the pieces of myself together, but a sob escapes. The adrenaline rush begins waning, and the emotions I’ve worked so hard to hold at bay are now breaking to the surface.
I bury my face in my hands and let the grief, fear, and shame flow. The rain mixes with my tears, and I let myself grieve for all that I’ve lost.
This is all my fault.
I should’ve been up earlier, and this wouldn’t have happened. A breath hiccups out of me, and it’s an effort to inhale normally again. Where is Lizzie? What if she had been hurt? What if we couldn’t find her? She’s all I have left now. I exhale and try to push all the negative feelings out.
Trying to calm myself down, I take slow, measured breaths, letting the rain wash everything away.
Just as I’m beginning to piece myself back together, a truck door slams, breaking my concentration. A very worried-looking Lachlan rushes towards me, holding the collar of his coat above his head.
“Did ye find her?” he calls, jogging towards me. I can only manage a nod in confirmation. He wraps me up in his arms. The strength in them warms my trembling body. “Are ye okay?”
Trying with all my might to keep my voice from breaking, I mutter, “It’s all my fault.”
