Chapter 50

I pad into the kitchen around one am, unable to sleep tonight and clammy with it. It’s unusually hot, and even with air conditioning, I am stifling.

After hiding in my room all day, Elisa went home hours ago, avoiding Dane and Tyler. She had no courage to face whatever he wanted to say, and Tyler had no courage to come looking for her, either. Luckily, my mom came home around noon to work, which meant the boys did not try to come near us or draw any attention. Dane had the sense to keep his head down around her, especially with a face that looks like he has gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson.

I don’t bother turning on the lights, seeing as we have nighttime downlights over the counters casting a subtle glow, and I quickly get some milk and heat it in a pan on the stove. It takes a minute, and I decant it into a mug before clearing up my minimal mess.

I always feel like an intruder in my own home when I come down here after dark. I have no idea why, and it makes me unus