EAMON
A few minutes pass after Hailey practically flees the dining room.
Unfortunately, my eyes keep drifting toward the doorway anyway.
Once.
Twice.
Then enough times that even I start noticing.
She doesn't come back. Not for dessert or for tea. Not even to steal food from Aurora's plate like she usually does just to annoy her.
Nothing.
Just an empty doorway and a growing sense of unease.
I stab another piece of salad.
Chew.
Swallow.
Repeat.
Across from me, Aurora continues talking and yapping about everything and anything at the same time.
Normally, Hailey would have discouraged her drink talking with food in her mouth.
Instead, her seat remains empty.
The sight bothers me more than it should.
Eventually, Nana Rose sets down her teacup.
The sound is surprisingly loud.
