Chapter 71

• The distant murmur of voices drew nearer, signaling his return after an extended absence. Roxy had hoped for a reprieve in his absence, but reality proved harsh. Regret seeped in as she pondered her decision to skip classes that day. The repercussions of her truancy manifested as she found herself in the midst of the unsettling scene once more.
• With a cautious stride, Roxy aimed to slip unnoticed into her room. Each step towards the door was laced with trepidation. Her quivering hand, moving at a deliberate pace, turned the doorknob slowly. She navigated past the closet, only to catch the ominous sound of approaching footsteps.
• A surge of panic gripped Roxy as she made a swift attempt to reach safety. However, her escape was thwarted as a familiar figure rushed towards her in the hallway. Fleeing backward, Roxy sought refuge in the closet, swiftly shutting the door behind her. As the commotion subsided, the slam of a door reverberated, indicating the retreat of the intruder.