Ellis awoke slowly, the room still illuminated by the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtain. The feeling that something was different made her sit up in bed, her eyes searching for her husband. But his side was empty. John hadn't returned home yet.

Worry spread through her chest, and she quickly got up, determined to wake Donna up for school. While her daughter brushed her teeth, Ellis carefully adjusted her uniform, making sure everything was perfect. Then, her skilled ...