Chapter 42

• KEILAH
• As Ralph's deep voice broke the silence, I couldn't help but feel a knot tighten in my stomach. What could he possibly want to talk about at this hour? Oh, of course, there's a lot to talk about. But can't he wait for tomorrow? I grumbled inwardly.
• Swallowing the lump in my throat, I sat upright and hesitantly shifted closer to him, feeling the warmth of his body radiating against my skin. His presence was both comforting and unnerving, like standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure if I would fall or find solid ground beneath me.