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I blink my eyes a few times to wash away the dizziness and bring my eyes back into focus. Blowing out a shaky breath, I kneel towards the box.

There’s nothing on it, just the silk ribbon.

With shaky hands, I pick it up. It doesn’t feel light, but it’s not heavy either. I will myself to give it a shake. It makes a shuffling noise.

Bang.

I drop the box and jump away from it, colliding with the wall behind me.

“You okay, Camila?” My neighbour’s soft voice fills the hallway.

Holy shit. Thank fuck.

I exhale. “Yeah, Jake. Thank you,” I reply without looking at him.

“Man, did you hear the storm last night?” he asks, but I can barely hear him.

“Yeah. I did.”

“Danielle was ripping my ear off about being home for once. As if I was going out in that,” he rambles on. Clicking his lighter on, smoke fills my nose as he walks past me down the hall. “Anyway, I better head back in before she rips my dick off,” he laughs goofily.

“Yeah,” I chuckle awkwardly.

His footsteps fade out down the hall as I peel my eyes open and stare at the cardboard.

I unlock my door, and with one last glance at the box, I kick it to the side, stepping into my flat and closing the door behind me. I pull out my phone to see there are no new text messages or calls. My heart picks up speed again, and my eyes squeeze. Flopping back into the door, I slide down it, that dizzy feeling returning to my head. A lump forms in my throat as I desperately try to hold back tears.

I curse under my breath, folding my hands beneath my bent legs to steady the shaking.

He might be here. I need to get out, but I cannot will myself to get off the floor. I’m glued to the back of the door as if it will keep me safe. Like if I don’t move, then no one can see me.

Sid saunters up to me, weaving through my legs. I sniffle as I bring my hand out to stroke his fur.

“I’m sorry, Siddy. I got stuck in the storm,” I apologise, like he’ll be able to understand me.

He meows, cosying up underneath my arched legs, tail wagging slowly.

I continue smoothing his silky fur as he purrs beneath me.

I don’t know how long I stay on the floor shaking, but my front room is cast in a dim blue hue. The evening is here. I have to be at Diamond Lounge in a few hours.

I haven’t slept.

I haven’t eaten.

I’m tired.

Ding.

My body jolts and my heart kickstarts at the sudden sound of my phone's notification in my pocket. Sid scurries into my bedroom.

I squeeze my eyes shut, not wanting to see who it is. Already knowing who it is.

Another ding.

I brace myself, pulling my hands out. Blood rushes back into them after being squeezed between my legs for so long.

“Okay. You can do this. You’ve been doing it this long,” I pep talk myself.