I GOT SERIOUSLY ILL OUT OF NOWHERE

more soup.”

She sounds cheerful. Too cheerful.

I unlock the door slowly and step out. She turns, holding a container of soup with a smile that falters when she sees me.

“You look pale. Sit down.”

I stare at her. “What happened to my living room?”

Her smile tightens. “Oh. I… I cleaned up a bit. The rug was stained, and I thought I’d roll it up until we could continue reading …