Chapter 2

My parents had never seen me break down like this.

They exchanged a glance.

And though they were full of questions, they didn't press me any further.

"Okay, we'll go right now."

Dad didn't dare waste a second.

He quickly shifted into gear, ready to pull out.

Seeing me cry so hard, my sister immediately wrapped me in a gentle hug.

Her voice was impossibly soft.

"Angelica, what on earth happened?"

"Don't be scared. Tell me."

For as long as I could remember, no matter what upset me, Agatha was always the first to comfort me.

I buried my face in her arms, wiping my tears only to have them keep coming.

"Agatha, I had a nightmare. I dreamed that someone wanted to hurt you."

"I ran back to save you with everything I had, but a thug broke my spine, and I could never stand again for the rest of my life."

"Mom and Dad nearly went mad too. We were clearly the victims, but there was nowhere for us to turn for help…"

I choked up and couldn't go on.

I didn't dare repeat how it ended for Agatha.

She stroked the top of my head and soothed me softly.

"Silly Angelica, it's only a dream."

"Dreams mean the opposite of what happens, so don't be afraid."

Hearing this, Mom frowned in displeasure.

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting, young lady?"

"We finally got our whole family out on a trip, the weather's so nice, the scenery's so beautiful."

"And you just say you want to quit? What a shame…"

"This isn't a dream!"

I jerked my head up and grabbed her arm desperately.

"It's real! It's really going to happen!"

"Mom, will you please believe me? I'm begging you, believe me just this once!"

My terror was far too real.

It didn't feel anything like a simple dream.

Without the slightest hesitation, Agatha spoke, her tone firm.

"I believe Angelica."

"If she doesn't want to keep going, then we won't. Safety comes first."

Dad, still driving, was silent for a few seconds, then gave in and nodded too.

"Since Angelica doesn't want to keep going, then we won't."

My taut nerves finally began to ease.

As long as we could get out of here, as long as I could protect Agatha, there was still time.

But the moment we reached the campground gate, two staff members stepped up and stopped us.

"Sir, I'm terribly sorry."

"There's been a landslide on the mountain road nearby, and all the mountain roads are closed now."

I panicked at once and leaned out to press them.

"A landslide on the mountain road?"

"Every road is blocked? Not a single one open?"

The staffer explained patiently.

"That's right, they're all completely sealed off."

"But the authorities have already started emergency repairs."

"We got a notice from up top—to prevent a second landslide, no one is allowed to leave."

A chill wrapped around me in an instant.

There was no escape.

We really couldn't get away.

Mom let out a long sigh of relief and couldn't help teasing me with a laugh.

"See, young lady? You worked yourself up for nothing."

"Since even heaven doesn't want us to leave, let's stay and enjoy a couple more days."

Dad frowned, his eyes full of resignation.

"Nothing we can do—the road's blocked, we can't get through."

"We'll just have to head back and wait."

The car turned around right there.

And drove back into the campground.

I clutched the hem of my shirt and immediately told Dad what to do.

"Dad, don't park where we were before."

"Move somewhere else—park on the open lot where there are the most people, the busiest spot!"

Though puzzled, Dad still did as I asked.

He parked the RV in the most crowded area.

Tents stood clustered all around, and tourists streamed by without end.

I gripped the safety hammer in my hand.

My eyes swept warily over every figure outside the window.

Seeing me on edge as if bracing for battle, Mom reached over and patted my shoulder.

"Angelica, relax. Let's go take a look around the market."

"Matthew, you go fetch some water."

"People don't know about the road closure yet. Once word gets out, they're bound to fight over supplies."

Dad nodded, thoroughly convinced.

"You've got a point. Supplies are scarce in the mountains, and the worst thing when roads are blocked is running out of food."

"Then let's split up—quick there and quick back."

I lunged forward and blocked their way.

"No! You can't go out there!"

"No one gets off this RV!"

Mom frowned instantly, an edge of impatience in her voice.

"Angelica! Enough of this!"

"Even if you're not hungry, the rest of us still have to eat. We can't just keep starving."

Agatha gently pulled me close and comforted me softly.

"Angelica, don't be afraid."

"We'll all go together. With this many people around, it'll be fine."

I looked out the window at the crowd.

And could only bite my lip and nod.

With everyone packed together like this, in broad daylight, nothing would happen for now.