Damien Shaw

As I pull into the driveway, I’m surprised to see Imogene’s car parked in its usual spot. She’s already home? This early? Although , she mentioned her workload reducing, I didn’t expect her to be home this early. I kill the engine and step out of the car, my footsteps crunching against the gravel.

When I open the front door, the sound of Lily’s giggles fills the house. I find her sitting on the living room floor, playing with her toy car.

“Hey, princess.” I say, scooping her up.

She squeals with delight as I pepper her cheeks with kisses. The smell of something familiar drifts through the...