Chapter 18

The clock is ticking, people's lives are in my hands. The mental anguish is killing me, my father has always loved games like this. Even though my body is trembling and seconds away from hitting the ground I suck it up. I take deep breaths and put on my mask. I bury all my emotions inside a dark pit at the centre of my core.

I step out of my office. I pass by Annie who's seated behind her desk who waves gingerly at me. It takes everything in me to be able to meet her gaze and smile back. I already feel sick to my stomach. Still I keep walking, my legs getting heavier with each step I take away from her.

"Mrs Micheals, what time will you be back?" She calls out.

I stop in my tracks. I don't face her. I don't turn. I can't turn.

There's a heavy silence that fills the place. The words are at the tip of my tongue but I can't say them. Time is ticking, I should be sprinting out of the building.

"I won't be back for a while."

"Is something wrong Mrs Micheals?"

My fingers grip the hem of