I locked my wife in the pantry under the stairs

even trained men forget how to move.

Sheriff Halden whispers, “Tom?”

Dad nods once.

“Hello, Ray.”

The sheriff grabs the stone wall like his knees have weakened. “Good Lord.”

My mother screams then. Not words at first. Just sound. When the deputies take her arms, she twists like a wild thing, crying my name, calling me ungrateful, calling Emily a witch, continue reading …