Chapter 40

• Evelyn's POV
• The blindfold pressed against my eyes, amplifying my other senses. I could smell the faint scent of gasoline mixed with the musty odor of the old bus. My hands and legs, bound tightly with coarse rope, ached from the constriction. Every attempt to shift my position only resulted in the ropes digging deeper into my skin, the pain a constant reminder of my helplessness.
• I thought of Debbie's smile, her infectious laughter that used to light up even the dullest days. I thought of the school hallways, bustling with students, and the sense of normalcy that now felt like a distant dream. The memories were bittersweet, offering a brief respite from the terror but also deepening my sense of loss.