Lily's point of view

Except for the hum of the dishwasher in the kitchen, the flat was silent. I sat on the couch, watching Aiden place his toys on the carpet with much caution. The small figurines were troops in his imagination, and the coffee table and the wall farther away were the field of their battle.

He said suddenly, without looking up from what he was doing, "Mommy?

"Well?" I grumbled, trying to disregard the thoughts that had been nagging me since nightfall.

"When is Marcus coming back?"

I was taken aback by the question.

It sounded as fragile as glass, but I managed to plaster a smile. "Marcus...