4
HADLEY
“Hadley,” a soft voice called out, followed by a knock.
It was Susan, Robert’s wife. She did her best to make me feel at home, but I couldn’t find the comfort. She had kind brown eyes and chocolate colored hair, adorned with wisps of gray. Talking to her helped get my mind off of things, but once I was left alone for the night, everything came rushing back.
Rubbing my swollen, red eyes, I left my perch on the window seat and opened the door. Still in her flannel pajamas, she held out a tray with a stack of pancakes and syrup. My stomach growled at the smell.
Her smile vanished the moment she looked at my face. “Oh dear, have you been in here crying all night?” Walking past me, she set the tray down on the dresser and turned a motherly glare my way, propping her hands on her h
