Heat of the Day

The morning sun poured through the windows of my room, already promising another scorching Chicago summer day. I had barely slept after the events of last night, my mind replayed the image of Stella standing naked in her room like a constant loop. My father and Elizabeth had announced over breakfast that they would be out running errands for most of the day, leaving the house quiet and empty except for the two of us. I nodded along casually, but inside, anticipation coiled tight in my chest. This was an opportunity I had not expected so soon.

I stood at my bedroom window overlooking the backyard,...