The lights in every room were blazing when I stepped into the house. I heard the trembling tone of my mother’s voice though it sounded far away, as if she were upstairs.
“Mom?” I yelled.
The sound of slippers flapping against wooden stairs echoed through the house. I passed the living room and nearly stumbled back when my mother shot down the stairs and flung her arms around me.
“Oh my gosh,” she pressed her face against my cheek. “You’re okay.”
Mom lifted the cell phone to her ears. Her voice was filled with relief as she updated the person on the other end of the line.
“I’m sorry for bothering you, officer. My daughter just stepped in.” Mom paused and then replied. “Yes, I understand.”
She clicked the phone off and held my shoulders, stepping back to gaze at my face. “Audrey Briann
