Daniel:
By the time I get to her house, I have already decided I am not staying long.
I tell myself that before I even step out of the car. Marcus is still downstairs, engine running, leaning back like he has all the time in the world. He looks up when I open the door.
“You good?” he asks.
“I’ll be quick.”
He smirks a little, like he doesn’t believe me. “You say that now.”
I don’t respond. I just close the door and head inside.
The house is quiet, but not the kind that feels peaceful. More like something heavy passed through recently and left the air unsettled. I don’t stop in the living room. I don’t need to think about where I’m going.
Lily opens the door before I knock.
She looks at me, then past me, like she’s checking if I came alone.
“You didn’t bring snacks?” she asks.
“N
