BEATRICE
The apartment feels like a trap now. Every creak of the floorboards is louder, every shadow darker. I lock the bedroom door behind me the second I step inside, heart thudding in my ears like a war drum.
Teddy's in the room with me. He hasn't spoken since Mom left. He just sits on the edge of the bed, arms wrapped around his pillow like it’s a shield. I kneel in front of him and cup his face gently.
"You stay in here tonight, okay? No matter what."
His head bobs in a silent nod, eyes wide and wet. I force a smile. "We'll be okay."
But I don't believe it. Not really. Outside, I hear the fridge open. The low hiss of a beer can. Pete's heavy footsteps. And then... silence.
That's worse. I text Stella, my fingers shaking. You up? No reply.
I text again. Then think better of it a
