Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

The night was still so clear, like I hadn’t been asleep at all,
but I was still too tired to muster more tears just yet.
“Mom, are you there?” I shouted.
Nausea rolled through my stomach, and I needed
something. I didn’t know what. I hadn’t eaten all day. That
was probably it.
Yawning, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and
rubbed my eyes, just wanting some soup and crackers or
something and then maybe I’d take that Xanax and sleep
forever.
Patting my way out of my room, I trailed down the
bannister, hearing the faint, haunting tune of “Sleep Walk” by
Santo and Johnny playing from somewhere downstairs. Any
other time, I might smile at the gesture. My mom knew I liked
oldies when I wanted to feel better.
But it was no use playing it while I was asleep.
I made my way into the foyer, still wearing a pair of jeans
and a tank top from earlier, but before I swung around to head
for the kitchen, I heard the beep of the answering machine
near the door. Yawning again, I walked toward it.
It could’ve been a prank call. I was sure lots of those came
in today.
But I didn’t have my cell, so just in case Dad called…
Finding the button, I pressed it, my head spinning and my
heart hammering as soon as I heard my mom’s voice.
“Hey, sweetie,” she chirped. “Didn’t want to wake you.
Your sister snuck out, so I left to go find her. Doors are locked.
Don’t leave. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
The music drifted from the ballroom, and I breathed so
hard, I was gasping.
Who was in the ballroom?
“Mom?” I screamed.
It was her. The message was from earlier tonight. She
came back.