Today, around 11 a.m., Clara returned home after a four-month business trip. She didn’t call ahead to let her husband or son know she was coming.

Around 11 a.m. that day, Clara came home after four months away on a work trip.
She didn’t call ahead—she wanted to surprise her husband and son. In her bag were vegetables, some meat, and their favorite foods. She imagined cooking a warm meal for them, just like she used to.

But as she climbed the stairs, something felt wrong. The building was too quiet.continue reading …