ANYTA’S POV
The house felt all wrong the next night.
Nothing was out of place when I returned from work to meet a comfy Alice lounging in the living room.
Nothing was missing either. And yet every slight sound landed too loud in my chest. It all started after Alice left.
My paranoia grew so much, I began regretting not taking her up on her offer to stay for the night.
I checked the front door twice before dinner.
Then again after. I tested the lock on the balcony even though I it had been reinforced yesterday.
My fingers lingered on the handle longer than necessary, my pulse thudding against my throat as if I expected it to turn on its own.
“Mommy?” Teddy’s small voice drifted down the hallway.
“I’m here,” I answered quickly, forcing brightness into my tone as I turned away from t
