When Aunty Is Gone I

THE sound of the car engine faded and the crunch of tires on gravel disappeared entirely. A thick and heavy silence settled over the kitchen. Kate watched the empty driveway, a strange mix of relief and dread tightening her chest. Her aunt’s car was gone.

“She’s really gone, then.” Serbia’s voice, a low rumble from behind her, made her jump. He stood leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a lazy smile playing on his lips. His eyes, dark and knowing, ...