Chapter 19

The Collins Residence. Eugene stepped out of the bathroom, towel in hand as he ruffled the damp strands of his hair. Just as he was drying off, a sharp scream from the room next door pierced the quiet. Startled, he rushed over, only to find Ellie curled up on the bed, looking terrified. The moment she saw him, she practically dove into his arms. "Eugene, there's a cockroach!" She wriggled closer, tugging his shirt instinctively, her soft body pressing lightly against him and a faint floral scent enveloping them. Eugene tensed up, quickly nudging her away a bit. "I'll go check." He looked around the room thoroughly but found nothing. Ellie bit her lip, her face full of innocent worry. "Maybe I saw it wrong..." "There's nothing here. Try and get some sleep," he said, turning to leave. But just then, Ellie grabbed onto his hand. "Eugene, don't go!" Her voice cracked slightly as she lifted her eyes to meet his, full of longing. "Stay with me tonight..." As she spoke, her fingers trailed al