**Hi mom**

FEW DAYS LATER

The light had already changed once or twice by the time Lucas stepped through the door. It was late morning, closer to noon, and the scent of whatever Valentina had made earlier still lingered faintly in the house. He walked in without much sound, keys in one hand, coat draped over his forearm, the other hand holding his phone with a few unread messages lighting the screen. His face held that familiar unreadable look he wore when his mind was too full.

Sha was in ...