As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Emma set Ethan gently down.
“Who were they, Mommy?” he asked in a small voice.
“Nobody, baby.” She tried to smile, her voice tight. “Did they scare you?”
And with that she put on the jeans and tees.
Ethan shook his head, clutching her hand, “not at all.”
Emma turned away, heart pounding. I have to leave. Now.
Her gaze darted around the room, landing on the narrow window beside the wardrobe. Her breath hitched. That’s the only way.
She scooped Ethan into her arms and moved fast, silently lifting the latch. The cool night air brushed her face as she eased the window open, careful not to make a sound.
It was only the first floor— low enough.
She looked down, gauging the drop. I can’t jump down with Ethan… I can’t risk it.
So instead, she
