Kari had retreated into the bathroom. She wanted to soak in the tub to hide her tears. It was all her fault. Tiffany and Pop Tart were both dead because that buffoon had been looking for her. It wasn't right. They didn't deserve to die. No one did. And her mom. Her mom had kept this a secret. Was anyone else lying to her? She believed she could trust Del. But what if they killed him? Or Stu? Or Martha?? She couldn't even fathom the despair she'd feel knowing any of them had died for her. She wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want to die, but it was the only answer to stop the killing.

Her mom had always told her that if the way forward proved impossible, she'd need to take a step back. Reevaluate her position and make moves accordingly. She'd always assumed it was some kind of chess strategy. Maybe her mom had tried to prepare her. Maybe some straight up explanations would've been fucking better than all this cloak and dagger bullshit. She was fighting being furious. If she had her mom here right now….

Wait…that's it!! She needed to talk to her mom. That would give her some answers she hoped. She couldn't involve the others. She needed them to survive. She wasn't very brave, but she could at least find a way to do right by them. That would have to be enough. She'd sneak out tonight and make her way home.

*


Del was left talking to Martha. He was worried about Kari now. People tended to blame themselves for the stupidity of others. Not everyone thinks in a rational way.

"Well, Martha, what do you think about Kari?"

"I mean she's a sweet enough girl, but I don't know how she's gonna make it through this mess. Normally, i'd be afraid she'll go all noble and try to sacrifice for everyone else. Kari isn't that brave by any means. She's probably crying and...