Debbie
The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder with every passing second. I sat on the edge of the bed, the silver key clutched so tightly in my palm that the metal bit into my skin.
When the time finally passed, I stood up. My legs felt heavy, like I was walking through water. I reached for the door. My hand trembled as I slid the key into the hole.
Click.
The sound was like a gunshot in the quiet room. I held my breath, waiting for a guard to shout or a siren to go off.
Nothing. I pushed the door open just a crack.
And like the times when things were falling into place, Maria was standing there. She was wearing her usual apron. She looked tense, her eyes darting back and forth. She signaled for me to come out. I stepped into the hallway, my heart in my throat.
God forbid Black
