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SADIE

Day Thirteen

B eing back in reality feels strange—almost cruel.

The storm has passed, the power restored, and yet I’m being strapped into the serum chair one final time. One night left here, and Ethan is nowhere to be found.

Neither is Robin.

Their absence gnaws at me, loud in the silence. I don’t know if it’s a sign of hope or a warning.

Over breakfast, my new lawyers spoke in cautious optimism, trading theories and legal jargon like it might save me. For once, I let myself believe them.

Just a little.

Maybe—just maybe—the truth (parts of it anyway) will finally rise to the surface.

And I’ll be able to fly free… before the walls close in again.