Chapter 1 - The Call at 1:58 A.M.
I used the emergency key hidden under the fake rock.
“Lily!”
No answer.
The house smelled strange, like spilled medicine and warm plastic.
I found her in the hallway first.
Not in bed.
On the floor.
Pink pajamas. Hair stuck to her forehead. Cheeks burning red. One hand still clutching my call on a small phone.
“Grandpa,” she breathed.
I dropped beside her and touched her face.
She was burning up.
I called 911 with one hand and lifted her carefully with the other.
“I’ve got you,” I said. “You’re safe.”
She tried to speak, but her eyes rolled weakly.
That was when I saw the orange prescription bottle on the kitchen counter.
Not children’s medicine.
Not hers.
Beside it was a folded note weighted down with Brian’s house keys.
My hands shook when I opened it.
The handwriting was my son’s.
Dad, don’t overreact. Lily gets dramatic when she’s sick. We gave her something to sleep so she wouldn’t ruin Mason’s birthday trip again. We’ll be back Sunday. Please don’t call anyone.
I read it twice because my mind refused to accept the words the first time.
Then I saw the last line.
And whatever she tells you, don’t believe her about the closet.
A soft knock came from down the hall.
I turned slowly.
The closet door rattled once.
May you like
Lily’s fingers grabbed my sweater.
“Grandpa,” she whispered, terrified. “Don’t open it.”
