FAYE
I followed them toward the mansion, but after a few steps, I slowed down.
Something stopped me.
I couldn't explain what it was. There was simply a strange feeling sitting heavily in my chest, a quiet warning that made it difficult to keep walking.
I looked back.
Helen was still sitting alone near the pool.
Everyone else had already moved ahead, but my feet refused to continue. I stood there for a moment, debating whether I was being unreasonable. Maybe I was overthinking things. Maybe I was allowing my mind to create problems where there were none.
But then I saw Helen move.
She reached into the small purse beside her and pulled something out.
A handkerchief.
At first, I assumed she was simply going to wipe her face or clean her hands.
Instead, she lifted it to her mouth.
