chapter 28

Everly My hands hit the door, jarring them with the force as I burst onto the roof. Ava screams and shoves the kids behind her body, using herself as a shield, and I twist, slamming the door shut. The racket coming from the stairwell is deafening and I stare at the door where I had just abandoned my mother. Ava rushes over, jamming a piece of a broken pipe she ripped off from somewhere through the handle and pipeline that runs to the vents on the roof above it, and I finally pull my gaze from the door. All I can think is, I left her in there. I ran and left her behind. Ava whimpers as she secures the bar; I don't have to tell her. She knows because Mom didn't come out behind me. As she turns to look at me, I can see her heartbreak. My entire body shakes with adrenaline and shock. I left her. My thoughts are consumed with that thought when a tiny hand slips into mine. Looking down, I find Valarian looking at me. “Grandma will be okay,” he says, only I know she won't be. I swallow and bl