Maisie walked briskly down the hallway, her heels clicking against the polished floors. Every muscle in her body felt tense, her mind spinning after the confrontation with her mother and Sarah’s foolish bravery with William. She needed to get Hazel and leave before anyone else noticed how rattled she was.
As she stepped into the living room, she spotted Hazel perched comfortably on her grandfather Walter’s lap, giggling as he bounced her lightly on his knee. Walter, oblivious to the turmoil swirling within his daughters, was laughing along, his usual stern features softened by Hazel’s infectious joy.
Maisie paused for a moment, forcing herself to take a steadying breath. Just get Hazel and go.
“Mommy!” Hazel’s voice chimed happily when she saw Maisie. “Grandpa was telling me stories! Ab
