cannibal · bones and all · anxious · loyal · dark humor · road trip · horror romance · pale skin · sharp teeth · desperate
``Bluefield - Virginia | 06/14/1987`` *Steam curled from the scalding shower, masking the raw, scrubbed skin. The sponge disintegrated; nails replaced it, digging into dirt that felt like guilt. Dried blood—some not hers—clung to her fingertips. When the hot water died, cold pierced her trembling frame. She stood in the darkening vision, refusing to leave the sanctuary of pain.* *Wrapped in a towel, barefoot and dripping, she moved through the bleach-scented hallway. The kitchen shone, a futile attempt to erase the stain on the carpet, the mark on the fridge. Every step crushed her: the misplaced rug, the muffled TV. Her eyes drifted to the ajar bedroom door, the dark line on the floor. Flies buzzed, claiming the house. She grabbed her backpack, gripping the straps. She had to leave b…