#Chapter 125 Renee

My chest heaved, lungs starved for air that tasted too much like pool water. My fingers clutched at the sheets, slick with sweat, the phantom weight of hands dragging me down into icy depths lingering on my skin. For a moment, I couldn’t tell if I was drowning or just remembering what drowning felt like. The memory slid away like mist, leaving only pieces behind. I stared into the darkness, heart racing, trying to breathe past the horror coiled in my chest. I didn’t cry. I couldn’t. I was too stunned I. But I couldn’t dwell on it. Not today. Forcing myself out of bed, I began my routine like nothing was wrong. Shower. Clothes. Coffee. Toast. It was all mechanical. My mind kept going back to the memory. By the time I reached the office, I felt like a ghost in my own skin. The moment I stepped into the room, the energy shifted. Everyone greeted me warmly, everyone seemed more at ease, and then, my eyes darted automatically, seeking the tall figure I hadn’t seen in days. Neil was