“Have you looked at the prices on them? Most people, especially in a depressed area, can’t afford a house. And I’ll be honest, this town is about as financially depressed as you can get.”
That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. “John said the town was dying, and quickly too.”
“And is this something you want to avoid?”
“Yes! You know it is.”
“I do. Which is why I’m trying to engage your brain to help you sort things out.”
“But you could justtellme,” I whined.
“You’re right, I could. But then what lesson will you learn?”
“That my dad can fix anything?” I already knew that wasn’t the right answer.
“Yeah, wishful thinking. I want to help you, I really do, but I need you to think this through before I step in.”
“Yeah, I know, but—” Ahead of me, thick, black smoke rose from?—
“Dad, our house is on fire!”
“Fuck!” he shouted. “I’m calling 9-1-1 and then I’ll be on my way.”
I could already see the flames licking from the shattered windows, rising up toward the roof.
My heart plummeted.
“Mason is in the house!” I cried. “Dad, help me!” I knew he’d already disconnected, and I felt powerless as I watched my life going up in flames. I threw my phone on the seat, jumped out of the truck and rushed for the door.
I amnotletting you go, Mason.
I had to save him. And when I was sure he was gonna make it, I’d take him home, then devote my time to finding out who the walking dead man was.
Mason
This is suffocating me.
I swept up the glass from our shattered picture frame. Shards of it had ripped through the print, our images slashed.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, I could still smell the bloodon the floor, see the man’s face. Feel my heart hammering as I waited to be attacked again. I wanted to scream, to say I wouldn’t be run out, but I knew the truth. I was trying to put on a brave face for Kip, but I could tell he knew how I was feeling. This morning when I’d gone with him to the door to see him off to work, he’d hesitated, grabbed my chin in his hand, and proceeded to kiss me until I was breathless.
“I can stay home,” he whispered in my ear, sending shivers up my spine.
“I would love that,” I admitted, “but the electric bill is due.”
He sighed. “They always want money. Why can’t they just give us stuff? We’re good people.” He frowned at me. “Well,Iam.” He grinned. “Fine, I’ll go to work, but I’m going to come home early and we’re going to hit the Applejack. I want their stuffed pancakes.”
“Sure, that sounds good.” I kissed him again. “I’m gonna hang out here and clean things up some.”
“Mase, you don’t need to?—”
“I do,” I argued. “Really, I do.”
Looking at the devastation to my world hurt like hell.
I knew I was spiraling, sinking into depression. I was about to call Dr. Briggs when my phone rang. I smiled when I saw the caller.
“Hey, Mom.”
