The evening felt unusually still.
Shelly stood near the window, her fingers lightly touching the curtain as she looked outside. The sky was turning orange, slowly fading into night.
.....
But her mind was far from calm.
The last few days had changed everything.
Not slowly.
Not quietly.
But in a way she could not ignore anymore.
---
From the other room, Shaina’s laughter echoed softly. She was talking to Rita, probably telling her something from school.
Shelly smiled faintly.
That sound always gave her peace.
But today, even that peace felt fragile.
---
Her phone buzzed again.
She looked down.
Spencer.
“Can I come over?”
She stared at the message for a few seconds.
Then typed back.
“Yes.”
---
She placed the phone on the table and took a deep breath.
She knew this was
