—Ellie—  

     “Where’s Arianna?” I asked. 

    “She’s with Renya and the kids in a safe house close by. They’ll come over soon,” My uncle explained from behind me. I nodded. 

    “I need to shower,” I said and regretted my words when I saw the look my family exchanged. I quickly moved away and headed upstairs into my room, starting to tear at my dress, but the thing clung to me. Angry, desperate tears gathered in my eyes.

    ...