My chest was too tight. I couldn’t get enough air, no matter how wide I opened my mouth. Each beat of my heart was louder than before, fast, as if it wanted to burst out of my chest. I tried to smile and play it cool, but my palms were already damp, and the situation hanging between Janet and me was like a noose tightening, waiting for an explosion.
I grabbed Curtis and ran away as fast as I could. Curtis was unusually quiet. Perhaps he had grown smarter than his age. Setting him in his seat, I yanked the car door shut and gripped the steering wheel, trying to steady the quivering of my fingers.
Janet couldn't find out. Not like this. I blinked hard and navigated to the main road, heading straight for John's house, tears blurring my vision.
As soon as I reached John’s door, I knocked. A
