Avidity

Eden took one look at the cops and the paramedics wheeling out the gurney, and her knees buckled. She slipped to the ground and tried not to throw up. Everything hurt. All the noises around her were fuzzy, distant. But then a voice said her name. Someone approached her, their face blurred.

"Eden."

What?

"Are you okay?"

No.

"You're in shock."

I'm okay. Who are you?

"It's John," the man said. "I'm so sorry this happened to you."

Eden felt his arms going around her, and she leaned into him. She buried her face in his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Come on," he urged. "I'll keep you safe."