The room felt like it had run out of oxygen. My legs were shaking, "Benny…mom" I breathed, the name tasting like ash. "I... you weren't supposed to be here."
"Clearly," Benny said. The word was sharp, jagged. His eyes flickered to Ethan. Ethan was currently tucking his shirt back into his designer trousers with a cold calmness.
"Who is he, Audrey?" Benny asked, his voice rising. "
Ethan stepped forward, pulling his arm for a handshake l. "The name is Ethan Green.Your stuffed animal…. “
"Ethan, stop," I hissed, grabbing his forearm.
Ayla was still standing in the doorway, saying nothing.
"Benny, please, let’s just go outside and talk," I pleaded, stepping toward him. I reached out a hand, but he flinched away as if I had tried to burn him.
"Talk about what, Audrey? Talk about how you
