Chapter 25 Sunrise

• “You take care, hon!” Amara exclaims, pressing a can of sparkling water and a sealed straw into my hands. She leans in, whispering conspiratorially, “These are for later,” as she discreetly slips a small plastic bag into my sweater pocket.
• “Baby, they've gotta get going,” Deonta'e intervenes, his arm snaking around Amara's waist as he gently pulls her away from the car before shutting the door.
• Through the window, I offer them a weak smile as they watch us depart, Alek at the wheel. As we pull away, the reality of my situation crashes over me. I'm acutely aware of how much trouble I'm probably in, the tension in the car growing with each passing moment. Unfortunately, there's no quick escape—it's at least a six-hour drive back home.