Across the city, Mandy put on a bright smile for Axel. They had dinner, she read him two stories, and she held him a little longer than usual at bedtime. "I love you, my brave boy," she whispered into his hair.

“I love you too, Mommy,” he murmured, already half asleep.

When his door closed, her smile faded. The quiet mansion which was usually comforting, now felt heavy and full of unanswered questions. She drifted into the living room, her fingers tracing the edge of the beautiful ...