The car rolled to a gentle stop on the immaculate drive, the late afternoon sun glinting off the polished windows of the house before them. At last, Kathy and Anthony had arrived, with Miles peering curiously through the glass, taking in the pristine facade. Everything was flawless—fresh paint, manicured hedges, not a single thing out of place. The atmosphere was still, almost unnaturally so.
Kathy stepped out first, her heels clicking softly on the stone path as she made her way to the security panel by the gate. With practiced hands, she entered the code, a quiet beep signaling the lock’s release. Behind her, Anthony approached, his presence steady and familiar. He wrapped his arms around her waist, an attempt at reassurance but also a gentle reminder of the tension that lingered from e
