Lockdown

The decline was rapid.

Leo barricaded herself in the East Suite. She pushed the dresser in front of the door. She dragged the heavy armchair over.

Marcus came to the door an hour later.

"Leonora," he called, his voice feigning concern. "Open up. Dr. Aris is here to see you. We just want to help."

"Go away!" Leo screamed. "I know what you're doing!"

"See?" Marcus muttered to someone outside. "Paranoia. Agitation. It’s for the best."

They cut the power to her room.

The darkness was total. The ocean roared outside.

Leo curled up in the corner by the mini-fridge. The little light from the fridge was her only comfort. She ate a granola bar, chewing slowly, trying to keep the panic from swallowing her whole.

She was back in The Burrow. She was trash. She was unwanted.

*Silas left,* a treacherous voice whispered. *He just walked away.*

*He didn't have a choice,* she argued back. *He did it to protect you.*

But he wasn't here. And tomorrow, they were coming to take her to a "facility."

Leo closed her eyes and gripped the screwdriver she had kept in her backpack since the first day. She wouldn't go quietly.

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