Page 106 of When the Smoke Clears

“I just wanted you two to know that I may be reaching out more.”

“Anytime,” they say in unison, and I smile.

“Talking about it is hard, but maybe just having people around sometimes will help.”

“To take your mind off of it,” Leah guesses.

“Um no, the opposite actually. Everything I’ve read says that I need to face everything. Just incrementally.”

“Ok, mind on it. Got it.” I can hear her grin through the phone.

I breathe a laugh. My friends are just what I need.

Chapter 38

Maci

MyJeepclicksandcreaks as the engine cools after I park in front of Nana’s. It should be quiet with the cab doors still closed, but everything seems so loud.

I’m forcing myself to move forward. I’ve only managed to get so far as the gravel drive. I’m not even parked as close as usual. Instead, I study the front of the house, even though the real evil happened in the backyard.

There’s a rut near the house where the gravel and dirt underneath are displaced, like something was dragged along the area. What could have caused that?

In an effort to get moving, I kick open my door. A cool breeze sweeps into the cab, but I don’t get out. I know nothing bad lurks here, but my skin still crawls. It’s maddening.

I pull my phone from my back pocket.

Me:

911

Immediately, bubbles appear from both of my friends.

Leah:

Say less.

Izzy:

Where are you?

Me:

Nana’s

Izzy:

OMW

Leah:

Same

I’m leaning on the front of the Jeep when my friends arrive one right after the other like it was synchronized.

“What’s going on?” Izzy asks, jumping out of her Armada.

I swing an arm at the house. “I came over to get some planning done. But I can’t bring myself to go in.”

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