It was finally another morning and Kayla was already awake. She sat on the couch, hands folded tightly in her lap, her eyes staring at the floor. Sally saw her looking worried and walked up to her. Zach was in the kitchen, making tea, humming lightly, trying to keep the morning calm. But Kayla’s heart was heavy, full of thoughts she had been carrying alone for days.

She had made a decision. It was the hardest choice of her life, but in her mind, it was the only way to protect Zach and maybe even herself. She loved him, always had, but love hadn’t stopped Ella from being dangerous. And...