Lauren Sanders has been left to start a 'new' normal life with her aunt and cousin after her family died. Everybody knows almost everything except for two things: Lauren's parents' mysterious death and her schizophrenia.
Lauren goes out on a mission...
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The walls of our family home seemed to close in around me as I sat alone on the couch of our living room, and the voices of Clarissa and Attorney Hoffman barely registered in my consciousness, as they were engaged in yet another intense discussion about strategies for my upcoming trial. The clock on the wall ticked away the seconds, each one a reminder of the looming date in the courtroom where I would stand accused of a crime that I know I didn't do.
I sat curled up on the couch, my knees pulled close to my chest, staring blankly at the flickering flames in the fireplace. Almost three years have passed since the night that had torn my life apart, and yet the pain and confusion remained as raw as ever. The accusations, the evidence, and the relentless scrutiny had taken their toll, and I felt like a stranger in my own life.
Their voices ebbed and flowed, words spoken with authority and urgency. But I was detached from it all, a silent observer of my own defense strategy. The weight of my impending trial bore down on me like a suffocating blanket, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of isolation.
As I sat there, lost in the swirling vortex of my thoughts, I noticed a familiar figure stepping into the room. Zania, with a striking presence that had always made her stand out, entered the room quietly. Zania had been a steadfast source of support throughout this ordeal, offering a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear whenever I needed it.
"Hey," Zania greeted me with a soft smile as she patted my shoulder.
I looked at her, "Oh," and managed a feeble smile in response, "Hey."
She walked over and settled onto the couch beside me, her eyes filled with concern as she studied my face. "You look a bit withdrawn. Are you okay?"
I hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to put into words the overwhelming emotions that had been swirling within me. "I guess... I'm just overwhelmed," I finally admitted.
Zania reached out and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, offering comfort through her touch. "I can only imagine how tough this is for you, Lauren. But remember, we're all here to support you, Mom, Attorney Hoffman, and me. You're not alone in this."
I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. "I know, Zania. It's just... everything feels so surreal."
"I understand," she said softly. "But we're doing everything possible to build a strong defense for your trial. I know that the Attorney that Mom hired won't let you down."
As we sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the impending trial still hung heavily in the air. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was spiraling deeper into the abyss, that my life had become an endless maze of uncertainties and unanswered questions.
And then, out of the blue, Zania changed the subject, catching me completely off guard.
"By the way," she began, her tone casual, "I saw someone familiar in the courtroom yesterday."
