Chapter 31 · Mom Doesn't Know Dad

Mom's still looking at Dad when she says it. "Don't let that thing touch you."

I'm halfway between them. One hand still on Dax's shoulder where he's slumped against the wall, breathing hard. The other hand empty, reaching for nobody.

Dad doesn't move.

He's standing maybe ten feet back from the doorway. Close enough I can see his jaw working. Far enough he could run if he had to.

That's the part that makes my stomach drop. Dad doesn't run.

"Erika." His voice comes out low. Careful. Like he's talking to someone holding a live grenade. "You need to sit down."

"I need to get her out." Mom tries to push herself up. Her arms shake. She makes it maybe an inch before her elbow buckles and she goes down hard on her side.

I move without thinking. Two steps toward the cell.

Dad's hand snaps out. Not grabbing. Just up. Palm out. "Rona. Stay there."

I stop.

Mom's gasping. There's fresh blood on her lip where she bit it. She's staring at Dad like he just pulled a knife.

"Rona, baby, listen to me." Her voice is shredded. Scratchy. She hasn't used it in days. Maybe longer.