I pushed the door open with shaking hands. My breath came out in short gasps, and my legs were still weak from the transformation. I shut the door behind me quickly, leaning on it like the world was pressing on my back.

Please don’t let anyone see me like this. 

My clothes were torn at the sleeves and the sides. My skin still felt warm, almost burning.  I was trying to steady myself, telling myself to calm down, when I heard fast footsteps coming toward my room.

The door burst ...