HENRY
I was exhausted. My legs felt like lead as I stumbled through the front door. The moment the familiar warmth of our small house wrapped around me, I wanted to collapse right there in the hallway. But I couldn’t. Not yet.
“Nora?” I called out, my voice hoarse. I was exhausted.
The silence that answered me made my chest tighten. I tossed my battered backpack onto the floor and headed for the living room. I needed to see her, to tell her everything.
The sound of quick, light footsteps on the stairs made me stop. Nora appeared at the top, her face a mix of relief and anger.
“Henry!” she exclaimed, rushing down.
Before I could speak, she threw her arms around me, squeezing me so tight it hurt. I winced but didn’t pull away. The warmth of her embrace melted a little of the cold fear
