When we get home, Zoë approaches me. When I walk up to her with the little girl, Zoë smells her, then leans her head on Alice. I know then that the two of them will be inseparable.
At home, there’s an air of celebration. Many friends have come to wish us well and to meet the little girl. Ingrid, Andrew, and Danny did a fabulous job.
The party, out of respect for me, lasts two hours. Then everyone retires to let us rest.
Danny approaches me, smiling. “Welcome home to my two favorite women.”
“Thank you. This party is amazing.”
“You deserve it, Mommy. I can stay tonight if you need help. But tomorrow I have to leave for a couple of weeks.”
“Weeks? Why?” I ask in surprise. I’d like to beg him to stay.
“I have a book signing in San Diego and San Francisco. We’ll be traveling around the United States. You were right, readers need to put a face to their favorite author.”
I hug him. “Danny, I’m so proud of you! And yes, stay with us tonight, please.” I tear up.
“Why are you making my wife cry?” Jeremy asks jokingly.
“Between the hormones and the good news, I couldn’t stop myself,” I say. “And since you’re here, Danny will stay here tonight if we need help with Alice.”
“Okay, love.”
The first night at home is euphoric. If Danny hadn’t been here to pick up Alice when she started crying, I wouldn’t have slept ten minutes every now and then. He’s fabulous with Alice, and she loves him.
The next morning, we have breakfast. The only one who’s rested is Jeremy.
“Do you have any advice before going to the wolf’s lair?” Danny asks me before leaving
“Trust your instincts, and everything will be fine.”
He hugs me and leaves.
I already feel a hollow place in my stomach.
In the late afternoon, he calls to tell me about his day and his emotions upon meeting his readers. I send him a photo of the little one, and he promises to call me the next day.
After a quick dinner, the baby is a bit restless. I give her the breast, and she falls asleep.
I take the baby monitor with me and head up for a shower.
Jeremy joins me, and his intentions go beyond a simple shower. I look at him and no longer see the sweet and affectionate husband. He takes possession of my lips by picking me up and holding me against the shower wall.
“Jeremy, I can’t. I still have fresh stitches, and they hurt me, please,” I beg him. The bracelet is burning my skin.
He has no mercy and slowly pushes himself inside. I can’t scream because he covers my mouth with his hand. I feel like I’m dying inside after every push. The pain is unbearable. As he tears my skin, I feel weak. I start to cry and close my eyes.
I no longer hear him panting.
I no longer hear the running water.
I don’t feel anything anymore.
Total silence.
Peace. Serenity. Tranquility.
Thank you, Lord, you got it over with quickly.
