Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The room erupted with a scream, and doctors rushed in to check what was happening. They all said the same thing: "There's nothing more we can do." Ryan felt numb, like ice had seeped into his bones. It wasn't until they wheeled Sarah's body away to the morgue that reality hit him.

His phone buzzed-it was the housekeeper asking when he'd be back. He tried to answer, but it felt like his throat was in a vice, choking his words before they could come out. Somehow, he made it home, though he couldn't remember the drive. The cold and exhaustion clung to him as he stepped inside.

He slipped off his shoes quietly in the foyer, trying to gather himself, when Clara's voice cut through the silence. "Why are you so late?"

Clara was in the living room, sitting next to a gift box on the coffee table-a birthday present for him. She had left earlier but came back, deciding it would be nicer to give him his birthday gift in person. She didn't expect him to be this late; in just an hour, his birthday would be over.

Assuming he was off with Sarah, she didn't prod, just nudged the gift box his way. "This is for you. There's cake in the fridge. Did you eat out?"

Before he could reply, she went to the fridge, taking out the cake and unwrapping it, sticking in candles shaped like a '20'. Ryan just stood there, staring at the flickering candles, not even thinking about blowing them out.

Clara turned off the living room lights, giving him a gentle smile. "What's up? Didn't have a good time?"

She opened the gift box, revealing a pair of engagement rings, the gems sparkling in the candlelight. She set them beside the cake, creating a picture-perfect scene. "Ryan, I know Sarah wasn't my biggest fan, but she cared about you. I thought you might be thinking about getting engaged soon, so I got you these rings as a sort of blessing."

Even though she wasn't fond of Sarah, she wanted the best for her brother. But Ryan just stood there, silent. He could see Clara talking, but her words didn't reach him.

Noticing his silence, Clara repeated herself, concerned. "What's wrong with you?"

Ryan caught those words, but a

sharp pain shot through his ears spreading to his head. He rubbed his temples, his voice cracking. "Clara, for my birthday, will you come with me somewhere?"

Clara didn't hesitate, jumping up. "Where to?"

And why wasn't Sarah coming along?

Ryan headed out, leaving the cake and rings behind, feeling like they mocked him. In the car, he gripped the steering wheel hard. Clara settled into the passenger seat, curiosity getting the better of her. "Are we going to see Naomi?"

Ryan hit the gas, not saying a word. Clara could feel the dark, restless energy radiating from him, almost suffocating. She stayed quiet,noveldrama

watching the scenery blur et

until

they stopped after about forty minutes in a pitch-black, deserted area.

Clara frowned, realizing something was off. "What are you doing?"

Ryan looked straight ahead, his voice steady. "There's someone here who wants

to talk to you. They might have a few things to say."

She stared at him, disbelief turning into anger. "Ryan, are you seriously dragging me into this because of Sarah?"