I tried to silence the voice in my head, tried to tell myself I was paranoid, that Harrison wasn't sleeping separately just because Vera was back.
But the next morning, reality shattered my denial.
I called Vera repeatedly to coordinate the doctor's appointment. She didn't answer. Instead, a notification popped up on my phone.
Vera had posted a video to her Moments.
There they were—Harrison, Blake, and Vera—standing together on the school's athletic field. Matching smiles. Looking for all the world like a perfect, happy family.
The warmth I had tried to kindle turned to ice.
I thought I was taking Vera to the doctor?
I thought Harrison was taking Blake alone?
What was this?
My hand trembled. The ceramic bowl slipped from my fingers and shattered on the tiles.
A sharp pain shot through my foot. Blood gushed from a fresh cut where a shard had sliced the skin.
I moved to grab the first aid kit, but my wrist—injured previously by Blake—gave out. I couldn't even grip the counter to steady myself.
At that exact moment, the front door clicked open.
Harrison walked in, looking crisp and energized. I opened my mouth to ask for help, to tell him I was bleeding, but the words died in my throat.