Tangled

22 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (III)

22 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (III)

I try to slip the crystal back into the drawer of my nightstand, but Selene darts forward, her body wriggling between me and the furniture like a furry battering ram. With a huff of frustration, I pull my hand back, the crystal still clutched in my fist.”

“Selene, down,” I scold, but she remains resolutely in my path, those pale blue eyes fixed on the object in my grasp.

Realizing this is a battle I won’t win, I shove the crystal into the pocket of my jeans, ignoring the uneasy weight that seems to settle in my gut at its presence. Selene’s tail wags, and she trots back toward the kitchen, pausing every few steps to glance over her shoulder, as if ensuring I follow.

The aroma of the sautéed vegetables greets me as I re–enter the kitchen, and my stomach rumbles in

anticipation. But as I move to finish plating the meal, Selene darts underfoot, nearly sending me sprawling. I sidestep her clumsily, shooting her a glare.

“What has gotten into you?” I mutter, stirring the

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22 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (1)

contents of the pan with perhaps more force than

necessary.

Selene whines, her nose pointed toward the front. door, and understanding dawns.

“All right, all right.” I rush over to open the front door.

But Selene remains rooted to the spot, her gaze flickering between me and the door, an insistent whine escaping her. I frown as realization sets in–she wants

come

resolute stare tells me she’s dead serious. “Fine,

food onto a plate and shove it into the microwave,

dinner in favor of appeasing

the second it’s open wide enough,

a welcome relief

2/6

and Secrets (III)

background. Selene trots ahead, her nose twitching as she

back before we venture too far from home, but some inexplicable force holds my tongue. Instead, I let Selene lead, trusting in

months.

it to a nearby park, which is essentially a trail going through a small bit of city forest. My food is cold at home, and we have at least

she ignores it. “Selene. Come on. Now!” I tug harder and try to start

direction.

I stumble, barely catching myself before

14:45.

38

Paranoia and Secrets

not usually one for these kinds of shenanigans. “Okay. Okay! I get it, you

hasn’t gone potty once. Maybe she needs to walk

leaves and twigs beneath my boots echoing in the stillness.

through the canopy in dappled streaks, casting an eerie glow over our path. Selene forges ahead, her movements purposeful, almost urgent. I tighten my grip on the leash, my heart. thrumming a staccato

of mischief around the apartment. But this? This single–minded determination to lead me

of sweat trickles down the nape of my neck as the air seems to thicken

14:45 –

Paranola

an almost cloying quality. My pulse quickens,

unfamiliar heat blossoms deep in

abdomen.

is happening to me?

I take the opportunity to glance around, trying to get my bearings. But the trees seem to blur together, an endless maze of bark and branches that offers

leash as a wave of dizziness washes over me. The world tilts precariously, the shadows lengthening and distorting until they seem to reach out