The Monster She Chose

ation was col

everything. About Ashley, Bran

things down, but thei

s. She was very clear. Her pare

ated, my voice hoarse.

ded, leaving behind a bone-deep

our in-laws are in the building, but no confirmation they' re elsewhere either. Given the severity

Not vin

e station, the after

call Ashley again. I

he changed it after a fight we

number. It ra

d up, her voice la

ou still harassing people about my

, cold. "I need the new door co

d 'prove' your crazy theorie

They might still be alive if I can

sessed. Brandon and I are trying to have a nic

n. Of

Now." My voice wa

It' s the date I first met B

ndon. That was the key to her parents'

is, Ashley," I sai

er. Just leave me a

0

, my body screa

Willow

ore smoke, more despai

s, ignoring their shouts.

hts. My lungs burned

ay was thick with sm

ights flick

The door was cl

hed in

k click

r. It swung inwa

. Miller?" My vo

le

ifying silence than

smoke was o

e, using my phon

ched by flames, but coate

ere th

oor by the sofa, his arm

the sofa, a book

like they we

as grey. Their e

o terrib

ling hand, touched Mr

o

elay. Ashley' s lies. D

were

, the phone clatte

th drained

late. I w

hell? Ashley' s fault for her selfis

matter. The

eft streamed down my face, c

gers fumbled, but I managed

They died because of y

it

y darkness, with the two kind