'What if they lock me in and I can't go out?' As she climbed into bed, a sudden, sharp memory jolted her—a time when her family had locked her in her room out of sheer pettiness, jealousy burning through their every action.
They'd claimed it was for her own good, sometimes denied it, but the humiliation and frustration still lingered.
She bolted upright, her heart racing. Not again. Never again.
Scrambling to her feet, she grabbed the key from her bedside table and rushed to the door.
With shaky hands, she stuck the key into the lock and turned it firmly.
The familiar click of the lock sliding into place brought an overwhelming sense of relief then she left the key still in the door.
"There," she muttered to herself. "Let's see them try now."
With a triumphant smile, she climbed back into bed, pulling the covers over herself.
