Chapter 93: Please Believe Me

Flashback: 8 years ago. (TW: Mentions of sexual assault. Proceed with caution) Savannah “Mom!” My scream tore through the kitchen as I burst through the back door, the hinges rattling from the force. My throat burned from crying, but I couldn’t stop calling her. “Mom! Where are you? Mommy!” Every step was agony. My legs wobbled, my thighs rubbed against torn, stinging skin. The ache between them was unbearable, raw in a way I couldn’t make sense of. My chest heaved, lungs dragging in air that wouldn’t reach deep enough. My eyes itched, bloodshot, swollen from hours of tears. “Mom! Dad!” My voice cracked as I stumbled further inside, clutching the counter like I’d collapse if I let go. “Where is everybody?!” “Shhh! Savannah, keep your voice down.” The sound startled me. I whipped around, heart thudding painfully against my ribs. It was Alyssa. Her brows pinched together, lips pressed tight. “Why are you screaming like that? What happened?” Relief slammed into me, so heavy I nearly fell