Chapter 78

By the time Benjamin pulled into the driveway, my body felt like it had been wrung out. I sat still for a moment, hands limp in my lap, until he opened my door and helped me out. His hand stayed steady on my back, guiding me gently into the house.

I wanted only one thing before anything else. “Let me check Daisy,” I whispered.

He nodded without hesitation.

I walked down the hall and pushed her bedroom door open carefully. The evening sun cast a soft glow across her small figure curled under the blanket. She was fast asleep, her chest rising and falling, one arm hugging her stuffed rabbit. My throat loosened at the sight. Relief washed over me.

Closing the door quietly, I turned back. Benjamin was waiting in the hall, watching me with those steady eyes.

“Go take a hot bath,” he said gently. “It’ll help. I’ll make something for us to eat. Come down when you’re ready.”

I nodded, too tired to argue. “Okay.”

Upstairs, I started the water, letting