The kitchen was vacant and for a moment I wished Mom was there to talk to. But reality rushed in and I felt grateful she wasn't around. As much as I loved my mother and knew she just wanted the best for me, I didn't need to go over what happened with her.

That I would save for Alison.

I heard voices downstairs as I passed the basement door. Mom and Dad. Good, they were occupied. That meant sneaking upstairs without being stopped would be much more likely. They'd ...