Crazy for Trying

Sometimes, bad ideas are the best ones. Sometimes, the worst plan is the only one. Pushing past him into that unknown house was the stupidest thing sheld done, but she couldn't see any other way. She ran down the hallway, calling for them, and when she got no reply, she hesitated at the bottom of the stairs. She'd seen enough horror films to know: you don't go upstairs. Knowing made no difference. Up she went. That's for people running away from something she reasoned to herself. Not running to. Like me. This wasn't wholly true. Kari was behind her, but he wasn't doing anything so crass as chasing her... No, his tread was as measured as his voice, which kept coming. Like a stream over rocks. Telling her she was acting crazy, did she really think the children should see her in this state, was it in their best interests, really, Sandy, they will hardly recognise you, and it might be better if they don't, you look crazy, you're acting crazy crazy crazy crazy She spun round to face him and raised her hand in a forceful STOP gesture. "Shut up Karl!" It was easier to be angry. Fury flowed high and red in her veins and actions flowed just as easily from it. Righteous and sure, without pesky questions attached. He hesitated, a glimmer on his face for only a moment, that might have been fear. He's wondering if he pushed me too far, and what I might do... It was gone in a blink, and his self assured mantel returned, boredering on smug. "See, now you're being aggressive," he said, "This is toxic, Sandy, you have to see that, and all that seeking validation online, it's not healthy... Honestly, it's narcissistic." "Seeking validation?!" Sandy's laugh rang like a bell in the high ceiling. "I was seeking an income, you smug prat!" Karl's tutting nearly sent her over the edge. She pulled her hands back as if stung. That's a bridge I'm not going to cross. I'm not going to hurt him. I'm not going to prove him right. Sandy whirled away and ran to the top of the stairs, calling frantically. "You won't find them up here..." Karl was saying, right as he closed in on her, his hands reaching for her throat.