MALIA’S POV

And it was a reminder that life outside these walls continued on, oblivious to the nightmare we had just endured.

Two women were waiting in the expansive living room, jumping to their feet as we stepped inside. They were as opposite as the word could be. One was an older woman with graying hair and a warm smile, while the other was younger, with sharp features and an air of efficiency. Both of them looked at me with a mix of curiosity and concern, clearly aware that something serious had happened.

“Mrs. Henderson, Claire, this is Malia,” Zach said, introducing me. “Malia, this is Mrs. Henderson, my housekeeper,...