Countdown to Nothing

Liam got back just after I unplugged the USB drive.

"Sabrina!"

Liam's coldness had killed all my warm feelings for him.

I told him I had a stomachache and pushed him away. Even though it was a lie, he was super worried.

He picked me up, tucked me into bed, got me some warm water, and found some medicine. "You always forget to look after yourself when I'm not here."

He looked at me, and I could tell he was distraught by how pale I was.

I did not say anything and just acted like I was not feeling well. Liam rubbed my stomach to try to soothe it. I was not sure how much time had passed when I was about to fall asleep. Suddenly, I heard a message come in. Liam checked it immediately without thinking.

"Liam, I can't find my underwear.

"You can't just take them because you like them! I still need to wear them."

The message suddenly cut off. Liam froze, looking over at me with a scared expression.

After he noticed I was not reacting, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Holding his phone tightly, he stepped out onto the balcony. "Didn't I tell you not to contact me anytime soon?"

Wendy's voice was whiny and sweet, trying to lure him in. "You've ruined so many pairs, and I haven't had a chance to buy new ones...

"Do I have to deal with everything without any help?"

Liam's breathing grew heavy and fast. "Just wait. I'll bring some over tomorrow."

I gripped the sheets, my tears dampening the pillow.

I kept whispering to myself, 'It's going to be okay. Just seven more days, and I'll be free.'

After that, Liam could search high and low, but he would never find me.

With that thought, I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to find a bowl of cereal on my nightstand.

Liam was sitting by the bed, gently touching the redness under my eyes.

"Did it hurt a lot last night? Your eyes are all puffy from crying."

He tried to feed me with a spoon, but I turned my face away, not wanting his touch.

A message popped up on Liam's phone, giving me an out.

He quickly covered the screen with his hand, but I managed to catch a glimpse.

[I'm in the bar bathroom. You have fifteen minutes.]

Liam's anger started to show, and he slammed his phone down hard.

"Sabrina, there's a bit more to do for the last job.

"I promise it won't get in the way of your birthday."

I knew all about our team's missions.

There was nothing left to finish.

His Adam's apple bobbed, a sign he was worked up.

Seeing how he could not sit still, I pushed down my disgust.

"Go. You've got important things to do."

He rushed off, only saying, "Wait for me. I'll be back soon."

I knew all too well that he did not want to leave the comfort of the bed he shared with Wendy.

For the next three days, he hardly came home at night.

It was the perfect chance for me to work on the video.

Right after I finished editing it, Wendy sent me a message: [He told me he was going to bake you a birthday cake, but he got cream all over me instead.]

[You don't mind, right?]

Then, a video came through.

Liam was making a mess with the cream.

I ignored it and pulled up the countdown on my system.