Fragile Aftermath

A violent gasp tore from my throat as I jolted awake, my chest heaving while the thick haze of a nightmare clung to my thoughts. Terrified, I blinked into the dim bedroom, only to realize the horror hadn't ended when I opened my eyes.

Memories of the break-in crashed over me all at once. Dread washed through my body, making the fine hairs along the back of my neck stand straight up.

Glancing dow