Yes.]11 Julian had taken my phone. He claimed I needed to rest, so he kept it from me. The next day, it chimed with a few incoming messages. Julian was peeling an apple. He paused, picked up ny phone, and glanced at the screen. He looked up, a strange, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Honey, who's 'Leo'?" 'Why is he suddenly asking to meet you? I don't think you've ever mentioned him." A jolt went through me, but I forced my expression to remain neutral. I held out my hand for the phone. "He's a cousin. We were close when we were younger, but he moved away years ago, so we lost touch. I guess I just never brought him up." "He's probably back in town visiting his mom." 7/17 Julian seemed to accept this. He knew my relationship with my mother was complicated, and he knew how obsessed she was with appearances. If I ignored a relative's message, she'd likely call and scream at me, unleashing a torrent of filth that would make a sailor blush. Julian had been on the receiving end of her tira- des before and wanted nothing to do with her. He handed the phone back without another question. I quickly scanned the messages. Leo: Where are you? Leo: [Address] Leo: Meet me. Now. While Julian was turned away, washing his hands, I quickly typed out two addresses-the hospital and Julian s home. Leo:? Me: Help me!! I saw the "read" receipt and immediately deleted the three messages. Then I typed out something mundane something about fighting with my mom and not wanting to see him. It looked like a typical sibling squabble Leo's texting style hadn't changed a bit since we were kids. All he sent back were question marks and insul Are you crazy? he texted. I didn't reply. A pale, long-fingered hand plucked the phone from my grasp. Julian scanned our conversation, a small smile on his face. He didn't give the phone back. He just turned it off. "Alright, that's enough of that. Get some more rest. The driver will be here soon to take us home." Under the covers, my hand clenched into a fist. "Is your... illness better?" I asked, my voice flat. Julian just smiled cryptically. "I can recover at home just as well." There was no arguing with him. Time was running out. Once I was in his house, my chances of escape would be slim to none. The moment he stepped out of the room, I took the risk. I threw back the covers, scrambl- ed out of bed, and bolted for the door. But I never imagined he hadn't actually left. I threw open the door and ran straight into his chest. He was waiting for me. His hand shot out, his grip like iron on my wrist. He sneered. "So, you really can hear the system's voice." Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!