This is a detox,I tell myself.This passes. All of it passes.
I repeat it until I half-believe it.
On the fourth day, the number of guards in the house doubles.
Mikhail appears at breakfast with his careful, composed face.
“Miss Calloway.” He sets his coffee down. “Starting today, lessons must be conducted in the bunker until further notice.”
I put my fork down slowly. “I’m sorry?”
“For security purposes. It’s only a precaution.”
“Mikhail.” I keep my voice even. “Can you tell me what’s happening? Because there are way more guards today, and now you’re telling me to take a six-year-old to a bunker every morning, and I think I deserve at least a?—”
“It’s a precaution.”
“You said that.”
“Miss Calloway?—”
“Whyis it a precaution?” I hold his gaze. “What are we being protected from?”
He redirects his eyes to me for a moment and says simply, “These are Rolan’s orders.”
Hearing his name makes my throat tighten.
I pick up my fork. “Fine.”
Mikhail nods once and leaves. I’m left feeling the familiar hollow ache pressing against my ribs.
Another attack,I think, and feel two things simultaneously: cold fear moving down my spine, and beneath it, coiled and waiting — possibility.
Anya arrives at the table a few minutes later.
“Morning, sweetie.”
“Good morning, Ellie,” she replies, giving me a slight smile.
“When you finish breakfast, will you help me choose what we’re going to take to the new classroom?”
She raises her small eyebrows. “Where is the new classroom?”
“We’re going to... study in a rabbit hole. I imagine Mr. Whiskers would like to feel more at home once in a while. What do you think?”
She laughs at me, as if I were being silly, but nods and says, “Okay.”
I hate lying to her, but it’s the only way I can make her feel safe. And watching her eat breakfast, so oblivious to everything that’s going on, brings a lump to my throat. Will I really be able to leave her?
I message Maren every morning.
Still okay?
MARE
Still okay. New hotel. Quieter here. How long, El?
Soon. I think soon. The house feels like it’s holding its breath.
