When Lavinia woke up, it took her a moment to realize where she was. The heavy drapes around the bed blocked out all the light from the open window, leaving her almost entirely in darkness. She reached out, her hand brushing Isaac’s pillow. Empty.

Lavinia rolled over, turning onto her side. Isaac was gone. She sat up, pulling the curtains aside to look out into the bedroom. The door to the room was open and cold air rushed in. She pulled the comforter tightly around ...