With each step I take, the panic in my chest rises, making it harder to breathe. When I finally reach the bottom step, I pause. Closing my eyes, I focus on the laughter that erupts from within the main room, and slowly my fear begins to disappear. Why do I keep doing this to myself? I’m safe here. I know this, yet I’m still afraid. My nightmare has ended, I remind myself. Rattletop is no more. Inhaling deeply, I open my eyes, determined to go through with this and start moving on with my life. Slowly I push myself forward until I am standing in the doorway. The room is crowded, twenty or so people scattering the area with plates piled high with food. Gathering every ounce of strength within me, I make my way towards the large kitchen area, grateful when I see Jade leaning against the large counter. “You’re such a fuckin’ pig,” she laughs, looking at the plate in Maze’s hand.
