The next day was a struggle. Having barely gotten any sleep the previous night, I could barely get out of bed. The horrifying moment when I'd found Grandma was still playing on repeat in my head. Beneath the sadness and numbness, there was also a lingering feeling of anger. I'd heard Dad come in late last night, but I'd pretended to be asleep. I hadn't wanted to deal with anyone.

My hands shook as I got dressed. The outfit I'd picked out- a black shirt with ruffled sleeves and a floor-length black skirt- reflected my mood perfectly. Depressed inside and out. I had closed myself off yesterday, locking my door and not leaving my room. I'd heard Tara come in and speak quietly with Dad, then leave a few moments later.

Immense boredom, however, finally drove me out of the house later that day. I walked through town, not paying attention to anything. It wasn't until music floated up to me that I realised what was happening. Today was the New Moon Fest. It was a day celebrated yearly, complete with music from all over the world and exotic foods. Multiple vendors were out, their wares in front of them, meant to entice customers.

A sudden chill went through me. I whirled around and met grey eyes. Zach. As I opened my mouth to speak, I focused more on his appearance. His knuckles were bruised, and his face was covered with them, mottling his features blue and black. "Zach, I'm really not in the mood today."

He nodded, a rare moment of sorrow flickering across his face. "I just wanted to offer my condolences. Diane was a wonderful person. She didn't deserve what happened to her."

I was momentarily taken aback by his words. Before I could respond, however, Tara walked up to us, disgust etched on her face. She didn't spare Zach a second glance as she linked her arm in mine and led me away. I let out a breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding.

I glanced at her. "What was that back there? With Zach?"

Her tough exterior cracked, her voice shaking as she spoke, tears filling her eyes. "Bella... I know who killed your grandmother."

Those six words made me catch my breath. Ever since that day, I'd been wondering who'd be crazy enough to hurt her. "Who?" I asked, my voice surprisingly steady considering the maelstrom of emotions inside me.

"Zach." Her voice was barely a whisper as she took a shaky breath, and it was only then that I realised I was trembling.

My mind was reeling. After a few minutes of silence, I finally found the breath to speak. "H-how?" The world was spinning and I couldn't steady myself.

"Your dad sent me a message late last night. He wouldn't say where he was, but told me that Zach was taken care of." Her face mirrored the worry in her tone. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, an ear-shattering growl could be heard, followed by screaming. Tara met my gaze, fear on her face.

Dan. That one word echoed in my head, filling me with fear. For a heartbeat, I couldn't breathe. The space was too confining. My chest tightened to the point of pain as tears sprung to my eyes. No. Not here. Please, please, not here!

Tara glanced at me, not missing a beat as she noticed my expression. "Go," she murmured gently. "I'll hold him off."

I hated leaving her alone, but I had to get out of there. The world swayed under my feet as I unsteadily walked away, and for a heartbeat, I worried I might faint. My heart was pounding so hard, I thought it would pop out of my chest.

I suddenly felt a hand wrap around my shoulder, the other a comforting presence on the small of my back. My heartbeat slowed just a fraction as a familiar voice whispered in my ear. "Just keep walking, Bella. Focus on the sound of my voice." Caleb.

Tears filled my eyes, spilling down my cheeks. We walked for a few more minutes before coming upon a picnic area. My legs gave out as I collapsed on a bench. Caleb sat beside me, gently gripping my hand. I glanced at him, trying to ignore the far-away sounds of screaming and growling. He held my gaze, not saying a word. I'm here, his gaze seemed to say.

Somehow, hours later, I ended up at home, with no recollection of how I'd gotten there. Dad was standing in my bedroom as I walked inside. Exhaustion had sunk its claws into me sometime earlier today, so walking to the bed was a struggle. He stroked my hair as I laid in bed, silent tears rolling down my cheeks. I finally dozed off sometime around midnight.

Read and review!