Chapter 4

June 21st was the summer solstice. It was the longest day of the year. Blazing sunlight streamed through the cracks in the curtains, burning against my skin.

Darian left early in the morning.

Today was Sophia's birthday. He was going to celebrate with her.

Before leaving, he didn't spare me a glance. He only said, "I won't be home for dinner tonight."

I knew he probably wouldn't be coming back at all tonight.

I cleaned the whole house. I mopped the floor until it was spotless, even got down on my hands and knees to scrub the dust out of…