*Ashley*
Alex is firmly asleep and I’m in the kitchen, the kettle humming softly as I watch the steam rise. I’m trying to calm my racing thoughts with the familiar task of making tea. My hands move automatically, pouring the hot water over the tea bag, letting it steep. I still feel the tremors of earlier, the fear that gripped me when Helene grapped Alex. I take a deep breath, reminding myself that he’s safe, asleep in my bed.
Just as I finish pouring, the door swings open, and Lucas walks in, his face taut with concern. I can see the weight of the world in his eyes, and I set the cup down, my heart tightening. “How is she?” I ask, my voice shaky. “What did you do with her?”
“She’s gone,” he replies, running a hand through his hair. “We took her to a high end mental institution. I’m pa
