424: SHELTER IN THE STORM

ARIEL'S POV Speeding down the road, my mind consumed with thoughts of Andre's betrayal, I didn't notice the car pulling out from a side street until it was too late. My heart leaped into my throat as I slammed on the brakes, tires screeching against the asphalt. The car swerved violently, and for a moment, it felt like time had slowed down as I fought to regain control. I managed to steer the car away from the oncoming vehicle, narrowly avoiding a collision. As I peered into the rearview mirror, my heart pounded with gratitude for averting disaster. However, the close call left me shaken, my hands trembling on the steering wheel. I pulled over to the side of the road, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The events of the past few minutes had left me reeling, and now the near accident has only added to the chaos swirling inside me. As I sat there, trying to calm my racing thoughts, I realized that I couldn't stay on this road any longer. It was too crowded, too chaotic. I needed to fi