Chapter Sixty-Eight

I STAND ON THE EDGE OF the sidewalk that ends too soon and watch as Liam drives away. The red taillights blur and then fade into the night, and I still don’t go inside. Instead, for once, I let myself imagine the future. I imagine a future in which we don’t say “No promises,” but promise each other everything. I imagine coming home to Liam, and the thought makes me smile.

Boom! I startle, and look up. An arch of red light streaks across the sky. The fireworks are starting. I head toward the house, suddenly aware of how dark it is. Why aren’t any lights on? It isn’t even that late.

And it’s New Year’s.

It isn’t until I get to the front step that I realize all of the windows are open. It isn’t until I’m standing there, inches away from him, that I realize I’m not alone. He doesn’t turn on the light in the foyer, but I can see his outline in the dark. I get the distinct feeling he’s been waiting for me, and the thought turns my stomach sour. What have I come home to? When did they release him?

I step to the door and try to recall that good feeling that I had just a second ago, but his presence has scared the happy thought. It is hiding somewhere in the shadows of my memory. Because he’s broken the protection order. He’s here. And I could try to run away, but the girls are probably terrified. Or hurt.

The house is too dark.

I open the door, and he is a six-foot shadow in the dark.

And then I remember the thought I just held a moment ago, the one time I let myself imagine a bright future.

I wonder what it would feel like to come home and not be afraid of what’s waiting inside.