24. Jenny
Chapter 24
Jenny
Up in my room, the storm feels alive—louder and more intense than I anticipated. The sharp howling of the wind and the relentless drumbeat of rain against the windows create a symphony of chaos. I stand at the window for a moment, watching the skies, which have turned a deep, menacing blue, almost black.
The trees outside sway wildly, their branches flailing like desperate arms in the storm, making me question if it was the right decision to choose this room. Their swaying feels almost predatory, ominous in the flickering light from the storm.
I close my blinds, trying to shut out the storm’s angry flashes, but a particularly bright bolt of lightning sears through the slats, illuminating the room in a harsh white light. A deafening crash of thunder follows, shaking even the foundation of the house.
Crawling into bed, I pull the blanket up to my chin and stare at the ceiling. My heart pounds as I picture the lake’s churning waters, waves smashing against the marina’s docks. I can only hope the boats will weather the storm unscathed.
The house groans and creaks as if it too is fighting against the tempest. The sound of the wind slipping through the tiniest cracks creates a haunting whistle that seems to come from every direction. I toss and turn for what feels like hours before exhaustion eventually wins out. I drift off into a restless, dreamless sleep.
A sudden, earsplitting bang jolts me awake, and I sit up with a scream. The sound of shattering glass fills the room, sharp and jarring. The wind shrieks through what must be my now broken window. Icy rain slices into the room, pelting my arms and face.
Above the chaos, I hear Trent calling my name. It’s faint, but it’s enough to spark a flicker of hope. I quickly throw back the covers, ready to go to him, only to be showered with the shards of glass and sticks that covered the blanket.
“Trent!” I scream. Then something heavy crashes into me, sending a sharp pain through my head.
The world tilts and fades. I can barely make out Trent’s voice above the storm’s ferocious roar as darkness swallows me whole.