MELISSA
“You look pale this morning!” Lily said as I stepped into the kitchen. “Have you been crying?”
I exhaled as I sat down on one of the stools.
“Let’s just say I’m having a pretty terrible morning,” I replied.
“What’s wrong?” Lily asked, with a warm look taking over her face.
“Damien is…” I began, my voice low. “I don’t know what I did, but he’s been acting strangely. It wasn’t just today—it started last night too.”
“Do you have any idea why?” Lily asked gently, concern lacing her words.
“I don’t. I tried asking him, but it’s like I hit a wall. Everything was fine the night before, so I don’t understand what changed.”
“Maybe he’s struggling to process that little boy's death,” Lily offered softly.
“Maybe, but we all are. That doesn’t give him a pass to act this way.”
“Give h
