The house was unusually quiet, as if silence could somehow shield them from what lay ahead. 

 Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the floor. But there was nothing soft about the atmosphere in Crystal's home.

 Sarah moved about the kitchen, her hands trembling slightly as she arranged cups on the table, fussing over unnecessary details. The clink of ceramic on wood was too sharp, too loud.

 Crystal sat on the edge of her bed, staring ...