Chapter 88

　　Serena's POV. 　　The knock came again, and I flinched, my heart racing. I stood up, cautiously making my way to the door. 　　I peeped through the peephole, and to my relief, the person standing there had their back to me. 　　I moved back, calling out, "Wh...who's there?" 　　Richard's voice replied, "It's me." 　　My mind flashed back to the dream, and I hesitated, wondering if it was safe to open the door. 　　"Serena?" Richard called out again. I slowly opened the door, and he stood before me, smiling. 　　"What took you so long?" he asked, stepping inside. 　　I stood frozen, trying to control my racing thoughts and ragged breathing. 　　"Serena?" Richard called out again. 　　"Ye...yeah," I replied, closing the door, but carefully leaving it slightly ajar. 　　"I need water," he said, and I pointed to the kitchen. 　　"Go get it," I instructed, trying not to move from my spot near the door. My mind was a jumble, the dream still fresh in my thoughts. 　　Richard returned with the water and noticed me st