33: Common Cause

Anyra

“NICOLAS,” his name leaves a muddy footprint on my tongue as I whisper it into the darkness. The dreaded name of a father who only ever wanted to be rid of me haunts me as I try to sleep.

I lay on the well-used bed, staring at the darkened ceiling fan as it turns about the room. John had let us sleep in his spare rooms until the morning when we will meet the others.

I pull the covers over me, enjoying the warmth they give ...