Chapter 8
ALLARA
Before I could talk myself out of what I had to do, I strode up to the porch and fumbled in the pocket of my jeans, drawing out the small key I’d found buried in the bottom drawer of my closet back in the city.
A lump formed in my throat as I slid it into the lock and turned the handle.
Maybe he changed the locks.
The door opened easily. I stepped inside, inhaling the familiar smell of pine leaves, smoke, and... family.
My chest grew tight. I dug my nails into my palm to prevent tears from falling.
Why had I stayed away so long?
Was the hurt back then worth alienating myself from everything I had ever known and loved?
I could barely even swallow. My throat ached at holding back the emotion.
The hallway was dimly lit. As I closed the door behind me, taking care to
