She keeps hiding.

Desperation flooded through her. She hurried to the back of the room and crouched, pressing herself into the shadows, her skin cold from the lack of coverage. The only thing she could do now was wait. She could hear the faint murmur of voices, those same footsteps that had entered the pool area now drifting further into the room, likely toward the water. The sound of the jacuzzi’s bubbles muffled their chatter, but Bailey knew she had to stay completely still, praying that she wouldn’t be discovered in this small, claustrophobic hiding spot.

As she sat there, her mind began to spiral with frustration. How had everything gone so wrong? How had she found herself in this impossible situation, her luck seemingly running out at every turn? She rested her forehead against the wall, her breath shaky as she tried to steady herself, her thoughts a mix of disbelief and regret.

Bailey remained as still as possible in the custodian closet, her body aching from the uncomfortable position she’d been **** into. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, each minute crawling by like an eternity. Through the small keyhole in the closet door, she could just make out the pool area, her eyes fixed on the water and the people using it. A few swimmers were gently splashing around, while others lounged near the jacuzzi, chatting and relaxing, completely unaware of her presence. The voices, soft and muffled, echoed into the closet, a reminder that she was stuck here, exposed and helpless.

Despite the unease gnawing at her, Bailey had so far been fortunate. No one had come near the closet, no one had heard the door creak when she’d hurriedly slipped inside. For now, she was safe. But the relief was fleeting. Something else, something uncomfortable, was beginning to settle in.