Yes, I think I am.

She found just how true this was as she left the living room and started upstairs. Again, she felt like someone walking close by a hornets nest, keeping their distance and feeling that they were going to be safe, despite the constant buzzing. She walked into the bathroom and brushed her teeth, working her way through her nightly routine. She passed through the upstairs hallway the same way she had, on autopilot, as shed been going through the same process for twenty-one years now.

It was because of her familiarity with the process that she knew something was off the moment she stepped into her room. She reached for the light switch by the doorway, but something stopped her hand Not only did it stop her hand, but it captured her and pulled her forward.

As she went stumbling forward into the darkness, her arm still held tightly, she saw the shape. A head, shoulders, an arm racing forward.

Christina opened her mouth to scream for Ryan but the sound of it was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a blade passing through her neck. It did not slice hershe was only faintly aware of that during the final three seconds of her life; it had been shoved into her neck, passing all the way through. The sound of it was deafening in her ears as the life passed out of her, right along with the warm blood that seemed to erupt from her neck as the dark shape in front of her faded into the rest of the rushing darkness that suddenly appeared as if from everywhere, swallowing her up as she fell to the floor.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Rachel was sitting in the front row of a funeralof her own funeral. Everyone was wearing black and there were a few people softly weeping. Paige was sitting beside her, and Peter served as their daughters other bookend. A preacher stood in front of them behind an ancient-looking podium. Rachels casket sat between the pastor and the gathered crowd, and everything was deathly quiet. She heard something very similar to scratching coming from inside the casket, but it was soon drowned out by Paige.

She was speaking to Peter, looking up to him with tear-soaked eyes. Daddy, she should have told us sooner.

I know. But she was a very selfish woman, sweetie. Let this be a lesson to you. Keeping secrets is toxic. Itll kill you in the end.

Why didnt she tell us? Paige asked.

Peter only shrugged. When he finally answered Paige, he turned directly to Rachel and looked her in the eyes. Because she thought she was protecting you. But really, deep down, your mother was nothing but a coward.

She heard that scratching come from within the casket again. This time it was followed by her own, dry voice. It sounded distant and very far away. Please…forgive me. Im sorry…so sorry…