I didn't go home that night.
No one said it out loud, but it was decided the moment Lucas walked out of the study. The house felt too big after that. Too quiet in the wrong way. So I ended up at his place, in Ivy's room, like we were kids again hiding from storms we couldn't control.
I lay awake for a long time, staring at the ceiling. Ivy had fallen asleep curled on her side, one arm flung over a pillow, her breathing uneven. Every time she shifted, I wondered if she was dreaming or just restless like me.
My phone sat on the nightstand. Face down. Silent.
I didn't check it. I already knew if I did, I wouldn't sleep at all.
When I finally drifted off, it wasn't peaceful. It was shallow, like my body never fully trusted rest.
"Elaine."
I felt hands on my shoulders.
"Elaine. Wake up."
I groaned and turned my face into the pillow. "Five more minutes."
"No. You need to wake up. Right now."
