In which Katy deals with the aftermath, sees the Racist one last time, and makes a friend.
The Beginning of the End: A Grocery Store Horror Story
You’d think a near-death experience with shadow creatures would warrant a vacation. Nope. Today, I find myself dashing around the apartment, gathering my things for work, and planting a kiss on Guy’s cheek.
The aftermath of my dance with Death was quiet and exhausting. Once my friends had woken up, we licked our wounds and mourned our dead. Arnold’s body disappeared in a surprising whiff of smoke, so burial wasn’t in the cards. After hightailing it out of the library, we made our way home and collapsed on the couch. 48 hours later, I’m yelling goodbyes to my friends when Guy gently grabs my upper arm.
“Hey.” His voice is soft, and I know what he wants to talk about, but I just can’t right now. After everything I’ve been through, you’d think I’d stop to smell the roses and have meaningful conversations. But the rent doesn’t pay itself-
“Katy.” Guy runs a hand through his hair and clears his throat. “About what you said, you know before that thing grabbed you…”
“I gotta go,” I deflect and grab a handful of change and cash from the reused pickle jar I hide behind a picture of my mom and dad.
“Stop. Please.” I turn away from the front door and sigh.
“It’s not a big de-”
Christy Leos 