Black Girl Gone: A Twisty Psychological Thriller

by N'Dia Rae

I nod faintly, grateful for the way her voice cuts through the tension in the air. But Chalene doesn’t seem to hear her. “You’re sure you’re okay?” Chalene presses, her voice trembling. “I just need to know… I just need to understand how you survived all this time.” Taylor snorts, the sound sharp and biting. “She just said she’s fine, Mom. Maybe let her breathe before you make her relive every detail.” “Taylor,” Chalene snaps, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t need your attitude right now.” “No, what you need is some self-awareness,” Taylor shoots back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’ve been here for five minutes, and you’re already smothering her.” “Of course I’m smothering her! She’s been out of our lives for twenty years! I have to know who took my baby. What did they do to you?” Chalene fires at me causing me to jump. “Enough.” Chauncey’s voice cuts through like a blade, quiet but firm. He steps forward, glancing between them with a look that says he’s had to play referee more times than he cares to count. “This isn’t about either of you. Let’s focus on Charmaine and what she’s willing to share at this time.”