The throbbing voice boomed in her head like wild elephants running through shallow water. No matter how hard she tried to push it out, the thunderous commands consumed her senses. Despite her resistance, she obeyed.
As she scurried through the large open gate, Tawnya almost stumbled over the pavement. The hooded jacket shadowed her eyes and the black scarf concealed her mouth. It was a simple but effective disguise to hide her famous face. Her voice was muffled. She wanted to scream.
“She ruined you,” whispered the ugly voice.
Tawnya hurled onto the ground like a drunk. She clawed at the soft soil beneath her. Pain seared through her every time he spoke. Trees rustled harshly, as orange autumn leaves parachuted to the pale smoky grass. Her surroundings were pastoral. She was in a public park.
“Good. You’re nearly there now.”
Tawnya stood behind a large tree, clasping her hands tightly against her ears, willing for no other sound to enter.
“Now wait.”
It was too painful to loosen her hands, even for a second.