Chapter 69

As soon as her mother left the basement for the vines, Emma changed into a short black gown. Lionel was playing with a toy car. She crouched before him.

"Listen, Lionel. I’m going out, and I was hoping you could stay with Leo for a while. I’ll be back soon."

"Where are you going?"

His eyes peaked with curiosity.

"It’s not something that should bother you. Just stay with Leo. He will look after you until I’m back."

"Okay," the boy said.

"Follow me," she said.

He picked up his toy and followed her to Leo’s room.

It was a Thursday, and they were both on break from school. She knocked on his room door. In a few seconds, the door creaked open. He appeared, his eyes sleepy.

“Leo,” the little boy squealed with enthusiasm, tugging at Leo’s left leg.

Leo patted the boy’s hair, his eyes still sleepy.

"How are you, little buddy?" he said.

"Fine," the boy