Emily's POV
Monday morning arrived with the kind of stillness that should have been peaceful but instead felt loaded, like the air before a storm.
I watched from my bedroom window as Steve's car disappeared down the drive, taking Lily to her first full week at Ashford Academy. She'd been so excited this morning, practically bouncing in her new uniform, chattering about her friends and her classes and how she couldn't wait to tell Mr. Hawthorne all about her day.
Mr. Hawthorne, who'd shown up for her presentation despite a malfunctioning wheelchair and his own exhaustion. Mr. Hawthorne, who'd sat through her private performance with tears streaming down his face. Mr. Hawthorne, who was maybe, possibly, beginning to let us in.
The thought made my chest tight with something I didn't want to name.
A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts.
"Mrs. Hawthorne?" Jenkins's voice carried through the wood. "Mr. Hawthorne requests your presence in his study when you're available."
