Still—I finished it.
When I was done, she reached out and held my hands in hers.
“You’re a good girl, Emily,” she said softly. “Don’t let this world take that from you.”
I smiled, thanked her, and went home.
I didn’t think much of it.
That night, I barely slept.
Then, just before sunrise, sirens jolted me awake.
Right outside my house.
My heart dropped.
I threw on a sweater and stepped outside. Two patrol cars and a sheriff’s SUV were parked along the curb. Neighbors stood in clusters, whispering.
A tall officer approached me.
“Are you Emily Carter?” he asked.
“Yes…”
“I’m Sheriff Daniels. We need to ask you a few questions about Mrs. Harper.”
My stomach tightened.
“What happened?”
He hesitated for a moment.
“She was found on her porch early this morning,” he said. “She passed away before paramedics could revive her.”
Everything inside me went quiet.
“I… I just helped her yesterday,” I whispered.
“We know,” he said. “That’s exactly why we’re here.”
My knees started to shake.
“Did I do something wrong? I only mowed her lawn—”
“Then you won’t mind explaining this,” he interrupted gently.
He pointed toward my mailbox.
A cold wave ran through my body.
“Go ahead,” he said. “Open it.”