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I fumbled for my phone, hands shaking, and dialed the emergency services. My voice trembled as I explained my situation, giving them my location as best as I could.

"Please, hurry," I urged, my anxiety spiking as I glanced back at the burnt car and people from around staring at it and me. "My car just blew up"

The operator assured me help was on the way, and I hung up, trying to steady my breathing. Standing by the side of the road, I felt utterly alone and vulnerable. The deserted stretch of road, with its silence only broken by the occasional rustle of leaves, did nothing to calm my nerves.

While waiting for help to arrive, my mind wandered back to the events of the day. Catherine and her friends, the heated confrontation, the nightmare that wouldn't let go—all of it seemed to converge in this moment of crisis. I felt like the universe was testing me, pushing me to my limits.

Minutes later, the sound of sirens pierced the air, and I saw the flashing lights of a fire truck and a tow