Chapter 68

He turned on his heel and strode out of the room and out of the cabin altogether, leaving Arla alone. Feeling numb, she collected the clean clothes and toiletries that had been provided and made her way to the bathroom in a daze. 

She showered and scrubbed herself, trying to wash the dirt, dried blood and smeared make-up from her face and body. Once she finally felt clean, she slid down the shower wall in a heap and finally allowed herself to break down and weep.

She lost count of how long she’d been in the bathroom, but when she exited, Sadie was waiting for her in the room. Sadie wrapped her arms around Arla in a tight embrace, tears falling freely down her face as she cried into Arla’s neck. Arla returned the hug, stroking her long, honey coloured hair, trying her best to soothe her distraught friend.

“I’