8.95 Zeke's Memory*

Ella pursed her lips tight and her originally ruddy face paled a degree further as if merely recalling it was enough to frighten her so. Her hands were shaking so badly that the hot cocoa nearly splashed out so Lu Yizhou plucked the cup out first before he clasped Ella's clammy hands in his. Their hands, one rough and calloused while the other fair and slender, intertwined like vines.

"It's okay," he said with a soft and reassuring tone. "With me here, nobody can hurt you."

The rims of her eyes reddened even more. She parted her lips and started to speak, choking and stuttering on her words. "...There are a lot of scary people. I don't know where I am… but I don't like it. I don't like that place…"