Daphne
For a few, long moments, I couldn't speak. My fear kept me silent. Their collective body odor and sleep breath permeated the small house. It felt like a choking grip in that small space, and I wanted to cough again as my roughened throat from earlier was getting agitated again from breathing in the awful stench.
“I thought this place was abandoned," I admitted, though I probably just should have kept quiet to not antagonize them into hurting me.
“We like it that way," said a voice that I couldn't see.
I assumed it was one of those lying in bed since the voice seemed muffled by a pillow or blanket. There was a resounding, collective laugh after that. I wasn't sure whether to join in or remain quiet, but my locked jaw made the decision for me to stay silent.
The tall one stan
