The crowd surged in a chaotic frenzy, people running and shouting in panic. “Run! There’s a murderer up ahead!”
Without hesitation, Landon shielded Brittany, pulling her close as they both hurried back, quickly disappearing into the throng. I felt a surge of urgency, following the current of terrified shoppers as they fled the mall.
From a distance, I spotted Landon and Brittany. She flung herself into his arms, sobbing for a moment before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. In that instant, it felt like I had become invisible; I was no longer a part of their world.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, jolting me from my thoughts. I pulled it out to hear my mother’s warm voice. “Oli, happy birthday!”
A smile crept onto my face despite the chaos around me. “Thanks, Mom! I’m really happy. I’ll see you tonight!”
After the call, I took a taxi home alone, the weight of the day’s events pressing down on me.