The words carved into the bench refused to leave Emily’s mind.
THEY LIED TO YOU.
Her fingertips trembled as they brushed over the fresh cuts in the wood.
The grooves were sharp.
Recent.
Someone had carved those words within the last day.
She stood abruptly and looked around the property.
The snow-covered yard stretched for acres.
Nothing moved except the swaying branches of the old oak tree.
Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that unseen eyes were following her every step.
⸻
“Emily!”
Zach’s voice broke through the silence.
He hurried across the yard, his boots crunching through the snow.
When he reached her, he immediately noticed the tears on her cheeks.
Without saying a word, he wrapped his coat around her shoulders.
She pointed toward the bench.
He read the message.
Hi
