Emily's POV 

“Goodbye, mommy!” Carl exclaimed, waving at me with a bright smile on his face. I walked towards him and planted a kiss on his forehead, brushing his spiky brown hair with my fingers.

“Goodbye, Carl. Enjoy your day at school!” I whispered to him, watching him scurry off to meet the other kids in the school bus. 

I stood upright and clasped my clammy hands together, watching the bus till it drove out of sight. Brenda approached me and handed my phone to me.

“Ma'am. Your phone is ringing,” She mumbled, stretching her hand to give it to me.

I took it from her, my eyes hovering over...