Were we kind? To the house, to each other, to ourselves? We tried. Annika and I listened out for Charlie every night. It was the least we could do before he left us forever. I don’t know how you slept through it, Annika would sigh. You must have been a monster.
Tonight, after the crack, I let out the breath I was holding. Slowly, the secret sounds returned. I frowned: they’d changed. My new nurse’s uniform hanging up on the back of the door rustled with starch; by my feet, Puss groomed himself and purred; beside me, Annika breathed; in the guest bedroom, her sister, brother-in-law and nephew, come to stay the fortnight, turned in their sleep.
I’d never known my house so content.
Do you hear that, Annika? I whispered.
She lifted her head, dozy with sleep. Hear what?
I smiled and stroked her lovely cheek. I think they’re finally gone.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Begin Reading
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 by G. V. Anderson
Art copyright © 2020 by Audrey Benjaminsen
