Ryder

I went upstairs quietly, steps soft on the carpet so Martha wouldn’t hear me from downstairs. The house felt still as if supporting my movement. I reached Lila’s door and paused. My hand hovered over the wood. I didn’t want to wake her if she was asleep. I didn’t want to scare her if she was crying. But I needed to see her. Needed to know she was okay after everything I’d said and done.

I knocked lightly. Just two gentle taps.

A soft sniffle came from inside. Then silence.

The door opened slowly.

Lila stood there. Her eyes were red and glassy, lashes wet like she’d been crying...