SEVENTY-THREE

Sealed Fates

Tessa unlatched the metal door for Jarrod. She was quiet today, not wanting to incur his wrath. He had reminded her that morning to be a good girl and just listen to him, which she intended to do. She didn’t oppose him when he suddenly started cooking, nor did she question him about it. Something about him that morning had shifted. He looked and acted like a predator; smiling softly and preparing a meal with love. It didn’t sit right with Tessa, especially after he dished out two plates of food and took it up to the metal room.

“Good morning,” he announced cheerily. “Anyone in the mood for hot, delicious macaroni and cheese?” he smiled at Lolita. “I made it in exactly the same way you like them, with fried chicken as a side.”

A single tear slid down Lolita’s cheeks. Jarrod worriedly dropped the plate on the ground and approached her. Samantha shifted to the side, avoiding his contact while watching him wearily. He cradled Lolita’s face like a baby, his fingers slowly mass