Chapter 382

Madison

After breakfast, I got Ethan ready for preschool. The usual routine: teeth brushed, backpack checked, shoes on the right feet. Simple, predictable, normal.

“I’ll take him,” Hazel announced, grabbing her keys. “I need to grab some things from the store anyway.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Besides, this way you can have some actual quiet time before work.” She ruffled Ethan’s hair. “Come on, Captain Volcano. Let’s get you to school.”

“Bye, Mommy!” Ethan waved enthusiastically as Hazel herded him toward the door.

“Have a good day, baby. Be good for Miss Daisy.”

“I’m always good!”

The house fell quiet after they left, that strange, hollow silence that happens when a four-year-old suddenly disappears. I savored it for exactly thirty seconds before restlessness kicked in.

Coffee. I needed more coffee.

I poured myself another cup and settled at the kitchen table, scrolling through my phone.

I finished the coffee, r