That's why I'm having crazy thoughts

Amelia Forbes

I tried to stay quiet as Jason dragged me up the stairs.

I had to jump, sometimes two steps at a time, to avoid getting injured. He obviously wouldn't slow down to let me adjust.

I hadn't been here for over ten minutes and he'd already tried to choke me to death.

A tear escaped my eyes and I quickly wiped it off with my free hand. He'd ordered me to stop crying, and disobeying him would just attract more punishment.

Just 178 days left.

You're doing great, Mel. I reminded myself, repeating my mantra in my head.

Just don't try to be brave. Focus on the project and get it done. You'll be okay.

Succeeding in steadying my breathing, I decided to stick to my resolution.

Desperate to distract myself, my eyes scanned the mansion.

I had thought it was beautiful the night of the party. But this right here was. . . magnificent. It was even more exquisite in the day, even.