The Woman From Hell

My mind felt like it was mush when I exited the coffee shop.

Just what was going on these days?

I drove back to the apartment and heard someone calling my name behind me before I even entered, "Wanda." The voice was faint, but I was very familiar with it.

I turned around and smiled slightly. "Susan."

After inviting Susan into the apartment, I poured her a cup of tea. "It's so sudden. You should have informed me."

After accepting the tea, Susan put the cup down on the table. She looked up slightly and glanced at me. "If I had called in advance, I might not have been able to see you." Susan's response stunned me.

I pursed my lips, my voice soft. "So, you know about it too."

"How could I not? Not only have you rejected help from your friends, but you even rejected your brother. Why are you so cruel to yourself?"

I could hear the complaint and affection in Susan's tone.

sighed quietly, the smile on my face fading. "Weren't you the same?

her head. "I still had one other person with me then. I also had my son, and there was no danger. But it's different for you. Forget not having anyone to comfort you by your side, but do

dangers everywhere. I can't drag anyone into this." I just did not want to get innocent people involved. Both Shannon and Marius had already gotten

my determination. She looked at me, her gaze helpless. "But you're disappointing

change my mind, Susan. I won't contact them until the crisis is over."

my decision, and

as she lowered her head. "I knew it

head as she

Truthfully,

made me feel like I was not alone. The loneliness in my heart had

be greedy with

I said again without waiting for

glanced at me before stepping forward and laying a hand on my shoulder. "If, and I mean if,

can stay in this apartment without worry. Stay as long as you like. Take care." Susan's tone

smiled. "Why are you so down? It's not like