“Oh my god,” she said with compelling awe, keeping her nighttime trips to the living room a secret. “I didn’t actually believe this would happen.” She was standing in front of an oversized box covered in festive wrapping paper, its dimensions wide enough to prevent it from fitting under the tree’s decorated branches, so encumbered with ornaments that they sagged toward the carpet. Their father Paul, a nice but unremarkable man, was comfortably seated on the worn leather couch nearby. Caroline was almost too distracted to notice him, let alone his beaming smile.

Oh my god,” she said with compelling awe, keeping her nighttime trips to the living room a secret. “I didn’t actually believe this would happen.” She was standing in front of an oversized box covered in festive wrapping paper, its dimensions wide enough to prevent it from fitting under the tree’s decorated branches, so encu

Caroline Chambers had become addicted to the glow of the red circle.She tightly held onto the comfort it offered, perhaps more than ever while sitting alone in a cold and unfamiliar room. The room was one she never could have imagined herself in, and still didn’t know why she occupied it now. Other than the chipped white walls, linoleum flooring, and uninviting table, there was nothing to look at except a door. A door she desperately hoped would open to reveal someone who could explain what was happening.The absence of clocks and windows made it impossible to tell time. She wasn’t even sure of the day. But about an hour earlier, Caroline’s own screams had brought her crashing back to reality. Between the ocean waves cascading around her and the distant shape of police officers rushing down the beach, the disorientated state she first awakened to had only deteriorated further. At some point during the chaos and confusion, she had found her way into a fresh set of clothes. Her long hair, almost dry, still smelled of salt and seaweed. Another scent lingered too, something slightly more ominous.Caroline nervously placed her hands on the table. The cold metallic surface sent goosebumps racing up her arms, which was less concerning than the handcuffs that bound her wrists. She had known they were there. She remembered the sound they made as the officer snapped on each cuff just tightly enough to be uncomfortable. She could even feel her bony wrists chaffing against the harsh steel. But seeing them now, attached to her, was almost like watching a movie starring someone else. Had she really done something so wrong?

The diner’s most notable feature was an extensive menu that included just about anything other than seafood. The owner—a friendly enough man named Watty Friedman—allegedly had a strong disdain for food that originated in the ocean. His personal preference wasn’t remarkably unique, but he did own a restaurant in a fishing community; hell, the ocean was visible from the front windows. Sarah supposed it was part of the eatery’s unique charm.

The diner’s most notable feature was an extensive menu that included just about anything other than seafood. The owner—a friendly enough man named Watty Friedman—allegedly had a strong disdain for food that originated in the ocean. His personal preference wasn’t remarkably unique, but he did own a restaurant in a fishing community; hell, the ocean was visible from the front windows. Sarah supposed it was part of the eatery’s unique charm.

he diner’s most notable feature was an extensive menu that included just about anything other than seafood. The owner—a friendly enough man named Watty Friedman—allegedly had a strong disdain for food that originated in the ocean. His personal preference wasn’t remarkably unique, but he did own a restaurant in a fishing community; hell,