15
As I make my way to the second floor of their three-story townhouse, I try to dispel my sense of foreboding. Lucy must be taking a nap, or maybe she’s in the shower.
When I get to the second floor, it’s still quiet. This is where the living room and kitchen are. I smell coffee and bacon, so I was right. They must’ve eaten breakfast together, and it wasn’t too long ago since the coffeemaker is still hot to the touch.
There’s another smell, the smell that every former pyromaniac kid such as me recognizes with ease. The smell of burned paper. I look around and find the source. The usually decorative fireplace has just been used. Ash and little bits of burned paper are inside it. What’s that about?
“Mom!” I yell as I run up to the third floor.
No response.
I approach the master bedroo
