Page 42 of Mine To Hunt

I hesitate, biting my lip to hide a smile. But Maddie’s persistence has always been impossible to resist. “Fine.” I admit finally. He’s hot.”

I lift my hands defensively. “Happy now? But seriously, Mads.” I add quickly. “It wasn’t about that. The session actually helped.”

I glance out the window again. “He listened. Like… really listened.” I shrug slightly. “And he didn’t make me feel like some broken freak.”

Maddie pumps her fist dramatically. “Knew it! That’s exactly what you needed. But hey… bonus points if the therapist is eye candy. Makes the hard emotional breakthroughs easier, right?”

I snort. We both laugh, the tension from the last few days loosening slightly for the first time in what feels like forever.

Maddie glances down at the dashboard clock. “Oh crap. I need to stop at the market.”

Her fingers tap the wheel again. “Groceries for dinner.” She glances over. “You up for a quick stop?”

I nod, grateful for the simple normalcy of something as mundane as running errands after the emotional weight of therapy.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” A small smile touches my lips. “I could use the fresh air.”

We pull into the market lot, and Maddie parks near the entrance. "I'll run into the bakery for bread and stuff." She says, grabbing her bag. "You wanna come, or roam around? Meet back here in twenty?"

"I'll roam." I reply, stepping out and stretching. "Text if you need me to grab anything."

Maddie nods and heads off, disappearing into the crowd. I wander toward the fruit stalls, the chatter of vendors and shoppers a welcome distraction from the session's echoes.

I pick up an apple from a pile, its skin smooth and red, and bring it to my nose, inhaling the crisp, sweet scent that reminds me of simpler times.

"Those are the best ones." The vendor says, an older man with a friendly grin. "Fresh from the orchard. Three for one euro. Can't beat that."

I smile back lightly, the normal interaction grounding me. "Yeah, they smell amazing. I'll take three, please."

He packs them into a bag, handing it over with a nod. "Enjoy, miss. Come back soon."

I pay and move on, the bag swinging lightly in my hand as I head to the herb stalls. The basil catches my eye, its leaves vibrant and fragrant, and I lean in to smell it, the earthy aroma calming my still-jittery nerves.

"Ree!" Maddie's voice calls from behind, making me jump a little. She waves a bakery bag. "Found you. Everything okay?"

I turn, forcing a smile. But I feel a sudden eerie feeling that's crept up my spine, like eyes boring into my back, watching every move. I glance around quickly, scanning the faces in the crowd, but no one stands out.

"Yeah, everything's fine. You get what you needed?"

Maddie nods, linking her arm through mine. "Yup. Let's head out. I'm starving."

We walk back to the car, that uneasy prickle fading but not gone, and I climb in, buckling up as she starts the engine. We're heading toward her house when my phone buzzes in my pocket, the vibration sending a jolt through me.

I pull it out, my heart sinking at the unknown number. Again. The message loads a photo. Maddie's house, clear as day, with text overlay,‘So you’re staying here? Wanna see what happens to her being with you?’

Panic surges, cold and sharp, because how? I changed my phone and number after the hospital, convinced it was tapped before.This shouldn't be possible. I stare at the screen, my mind racing. Threatening Maddie now? I can't let this touch her.

“Ree? You okay?” Maddie’s voice cuts through the quiet hum of the car as she glances over at me.

I quickly lock my phone screen and slide it into my pocket, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Yeah.” I say lightly. “Just spam.”

I shift in my seat, staring out the windshield. “Hey… can you drop me at my parents’ place instead?”

The words feel strange coming out of my mouth. “I just… need some alone time. Clear my head.”

Maddie’s brow furrows immediately. Her hands tighten slightly around the steering wheel. “What?” She asks, glancing at me again. “Ree, what’s wrong?”

Her tone softens, but the concern is obvious. “You were fine like two seconds ago.” She slows slightly at the intersection. “If the therapy session stirred stuff up, just talk to me. My place is safer.”