At least for now.
She sank into the couch, heart lighter than it had felt in months.
And she breathed it in.
Let herself believe.
Let herself feel safe.
Her phone buzzed.
Sharp. Jarring.
She reached for it, expecting nothing.
Unknown number.
One line.
Do you feel safe with them?
The words cleaved through her.
Cold.
Calculated.
Unmistakable.
Her grip tightened on the phone. Her pulse kicked, fast and loud in her ears.
“Everything okay?” Penny’s voice was soft now, her concern immediate.
“Spam,” Arden said quickly. The lie scratched at her throat.
The warmth in the room hadn’t vanished.
Lillian laughed from the kitchen.
Penny argued over the score.
Robert offered “victory cookies” to anyone who’d take his side.
Mia somersaulted into the next round like a woman possessed.
The light held.
But the dark was there.
Patient.
Watching.
Waiting.
Untouched by the laughter fillingthe room.
?
