Janet stayed silent. Sobbing butterly. I didn’t ask any further questions. I just opened the door wider and wrapped my arms around her like I had been waiting for her all day. Her face was blotchy and puffy, mascara smeared, with lips trembling.
“Let’s get you into the house,” I said gently. She obliged and I guiding her inside. “I’ll get you some water.”
She nodded mutely, dragging her feet across the polished floors like a broken marionette. The sight of her like that chipped something sharp inside me. I didn’t like seeing her cry, and could not ignore the urge inside me to protect her. However, knowing who might have been the reason for her tears— God help me —I was almost glad.
She collapsed into the couch as if her bones had given out while I quickly fetched her a glass of water an
