Chapter 2 - Drew and Lily
Drew was on the porch steps.
Six years old.
Dirty clothes.
Face pale.
Dark hair stuck to his forehead.
One leg dragged behind him at an angle that made Peter’s stomach twist.
Clinging to Drew’s back was Lily.
Three years old.
Pink clothes stained with dust.
Blonde curls tangled.
Eyes too big in a face too small.
Drew tried to take one more step.
His arm shook.
Peter moved before thought could catch up.
He lunged forward and caught both children before they collapsed.
“Drew,” he breathed. “God. What happened?”
Drew looked up at him with eyes that did not look six years old anymore.
“She locked us downstairs again.”
Again.
The word struck harder than anything else.
Peter swallowed.
“Who?”
Drew’s lips trembled.
“Reena.”
Lily whimpered against her brother’s shoulder.
Drew tried to turn toward her even while barely able to stand.
“She was hungry,” he whispered. “I had to get her out.”
Peter carefully lifted Lily first.
She weighed almost nothing.
Then he scooped Drew up, supporting the injured leg as gently as he could.
Drew bit his lip and made no sound.
That scared Peter more than a scream would have.
Inside, he placed them on the couch and wrapped them in blankets even though the house was warm.
Lily grabbed a pack of crackers with both hands and tried to eat too fast.
Drew patted her back weakly.
“Slow, Lily. Slow.”
A six-year-old should not know how to calm a starving toddler.
Peter took out his phone.
“I’m calling for help.”
Drew’s eyes widened.
“She’ll be mad.”
May you like
Peter knelt in front of him.
“She is never touching you again.”
