The Knock Came Before I Could Dial 911

out the moon-shaped night-light from her bedroom. The cheap one. The one that blinked when sirens hit the wall.

She placed it in my hand.

“For when you’re scared,” she said.

I closed my fingers around it, and the judge looked down at his desk until he could speak again.

If this story stayed with you, send it to someone who understands why one safe door continue reading …