The house feels empty from the porch. Going in only confirms that.

This morning, Chelsea volunteered to grab Eryis from school, take her to her own house, and bring her back tomorrow.

I was happy to have a break at first. But now I’m missing my baby already. Her little noises as she runs around the house would have distracted me from my own thoughts. Thoughts that threaten to blow my mind to pieces.

As I make for my room, my phone rings. It’s Christopher.

“Hello?” I say ...