As soon as I slipped my feet into my boots, I poised a finger over the glowing orange button in the garage. Something scurried over by the trashcan, but it was too dark to see. My heart jumped against my ribcage. I really didn't want to know the source of the sound, but I jabbed the button anyway.

Sunlight flooded in. Everything looked normal, except Mom's empty parking space.

I stood still, listening, while I let my heartbeat slow to a steady hammering. Maybe ...