Chapter Eight

Shannon's POV

I rushed out of the room, my heart pounding. I couldn't let my mother see me like this. I hurried down the hallway, heading towards my room. The hallway seemed to go on forever, and I felt like I would never reach my room.

Finally, I reached my door and quickly unlocked it, closing it behind me and locking it again. I leaned against the door, trying to catch my breath. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I knew I couldn't hold them back any longer.

I sank to the floor, my shoulders shaking as I sobbed. I felt like a failure, like I had let myself and my mother down. What would she think of me if she saw me like this?

As I cried, I heard a soft knock on the door. I froze, my heart pounding. I didn't want anyone to see me like this.

The knocking continued, and I heard a soft voice say, "Shannon, are you okay? Can I come in?"

"Mum?" I stuttered. I was shocked - had she seen me running down the hallway?

"Can I come in?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm...fine. You d