CHAPTER 218
KATYA POV
The mall hit me all at once. Noise. Light. Movement.
Glass doors slid open and suddenly there were voices everywhere—laughter, music spilling from stores, the constant sound of people talking over one another.
It felt wrong, like stepping into a different world without permission. Nonna rolled in first, sitting comfortably in her wheelchair like she owned the place.
I followed closely behind her, hands firm on the handles, guiding us through the entrance before the doors could close again.
She looked… pleased. Almost amused. I, on the other hand, felt like I'd just walked into enemy territory.
The place was packed. Way more crowded than I'd expected. Families, couples, teenagers clustered in groups, people moving without caution, without fear.
No one was watching their backs. No one was counting exits. I pulled my hoodie a little lower over my head instinctively, fingers brushing the edge of the bandages wrapped around my scalp.
