#Chapter 116: How To Feel Safe Again

Amber’s POV For the next few days, Julian held me whenever I asked him to, without any questions or need for explanation. He was simply there, ready to be my rock or my anchor, keeping me steady against the storm raging through my mind and heart. Despite knowing I was safe, I couldn’t convince my body I was. It was still producing adrenaline, fueling my fight or flight instinct until exhaustion eventually won out. I tried to be present for Alice, and for the people of the town that wanted to celebrate the cure. They even threw a great parade in my honor, with Alice and me on the final float. Alice threw candy to the once-again healthy children. After, the mayor pulled me aside and promised changes to be made regarding factory regulations and waste management. All of these were good things, and yet, I didn’t feel present in these moments. I felt like I was watching them happen to someone else while the real me was trapped in some kind of nightmare. Ever beside me, Julian wat