Page 63 of Bound By Crimson

Chapter Sixty-Three

Just to Stop the Noise

The walk back to her room felt heavier than the one to the garden.

The hallway seemed longer. The house, quieter.

Like it had swallowed her grief and was holding it in its walls.

She opened her door and stepped inside—like someone returning to a crime scene.

Nothing had changed.

The curtains still moved slightly from the cracked window.

The tray from breakfast still sat near the chair.

She dropped her phone on the dresser, like it was laced with venom.

She didn’t even look at it.

She couldn’t.

Her chest still ached. Her limbs felt heavy. Her thoughts… they weren’t even thoughts anymore. Just static.

She sat on the edge of the bed.

Then slowly, she lay down. One hand on her belly, the other curled near her mouth.

Her body hurt—her back, her legs... her heart.

She was so tired.

Not the kind of tired sleep could fix —

But she had to try.

Because getting out of here wasn’t optional. Not anymore.

She had to leave.

But not like this. Not in this state. Not when her legs could barely hold her, not when her pulse still thrummed with shock, not when every breath felt like dragging a stone up a hill.

She needed to rest. To gather strength. For him.

Her baby came first now. His safety, his future. He didn’t ask for this. He deserved a mother who was strong.

No one could see her break. Not yet. Not here.

She’d act fine. Smile if she had to. Pretend nothing was wrong.

Now she’d sleep.

And when she woke up—

She’d figure out how to run.

She let her eyes close.

Just for a minute.

Just to stop the noise .

Just to breathe.