Page 129 of Torin

A horn blares as we tear across the junction, and I grab the side of the seat to steady myself.

“Stop the fucking car!”

He keeps accelerating until the traffic falls away behind us and the houses begin to thin. I could open the door, but at this speed, hitting the road could kill me.

Within minutes, the last houses are behind us and fields stretch away on either side. We’re heading straight for home, and Dr Whitmore is already on his way there.

I don’t know what my father intends to do once he gets me inside. All I know is I’m not walking through that front door.

25

Hannah

My father turns off the main road and onto the long gravel drive. The tires crunch over loose stone. Towering pines rise on either side, their branches meeting overhead until the afternoon light is all but blocked out.

My stomach clenches.

There’s no traffic here. No houses close enough for anyone to see me. In a few minutes, Dr Whitmore will arrive, and my father will tell him exactly what he’s already told everyone else.

That I’m confused. That I’m frightened. That I don’t know what’s real.

I stare through the windshield as the trees close around us.

My father hasn’t spoken since I tried to get out of the car. He drives steadily towards the house, apparently satisfied that I’ve finally given up.

Good. Let him think that.

I force myself to sit still. My heart is hammering so violently I’m sure he must be able to hear it, but I keep my hands loose in my lap and my breathing as even as I can.

He slows as we approach the front steps. My muscles tense.

He pulls to a stop. His hand leaves the steering wheel.

Now.

I wrench open the door and run.

“Hannah!”

My feet hit the gravel hard. I nearly lose my footing, recover and sprint towards the trees.

“Hannah, stop!”

I don’t look back.

“Slow down! You’re going to hurt yourself!”

Even now.

Even here.

He’s still playing the worried father.

I hit the grass and run harder.

The woods are less than fifty yards away. Beyond them is the service track, and beyond that, the road.

If I can get there, someone will see me.