Daniel stepped into the house, shutting the door a little too hard behind him. He tossed his keys on the console and let out a sigh. The lights were on, but the place felt off—too quiet for a home that was supposed to be filled with warmth.

His shoes echoed through the hall as he walked into the living room. Jamie was there, sitting stiffly on the couch, still in his school uniform, backpack on his back, shoes muddy from the day.

“Jamie?” Daniel frowned, walking over. “What are you doing here like this? Where’s Lena?”

The little boy looked up slowly. His face was pale, his eyes red and...