My dad saw me limping down the street with my baby and groceries and asked, “Where’s your car?” When I whispered, “His mom took it… said I’m lucky they let me stay,” Dad didn’t argue. He opened the door and said, “Get in. We’re fixing this tonight

my arms could be a barrier against words.

We walked up the driveway together.

The front door opened before we knocked, like Patricia had been watching through the blinds.

She was wearing pearl earrings and a crisp cardigan, hair perfect, smile already loaded like a weapon. “Oh,” she said, eyes flicking over me and then sticking to Evan. “Lauren. You’re continue reading …