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Bobby raced down the hallway, slapping his hand on Beth’s door as he passed. “Wake up. It’s Christmas and I’m not sick.” He pushed into his brother’s room. “Nick. Nick, wake up.” He skidded to a stop. The room was empty. The bed was still made. Nick had probably worked late and was now in the kitchen with their parents cooking breakfast.
His stomach rumbled. He was starving. He’d never been this hungry in his entire life. He continued down the hallway, stopping in the living room. The tree was lit, chasing away the dark. Beth sat on the couch, phone to her ear, whispering.
“Merry Christmas.” He grinned at his sister.
“Yeah, Merry Christmas.” She didn’t even look at him.
“Where is everyone?” The kitchen was dark. An almost empty wine bottle sat on the table next to a single g
