The next thing I knew, my cheek was against the cold tile of the kitchen floor. I could hear. I could feel. But I could not move the way I wanted to. I heard Daniel leave the room. I heard his voice on the phone. Kitchen & Dining The words were not loud, but they were enough. He spoke like someone who believed there was no one left listening. After that moment, every second became a choice. I stayed still when he came back. I stayed still when he checked my wrist. I stayed still when he moved near Noah. The hardest part was hearing him speak gently. Danger did not sound angry. It sounded calm. It sounded careful. When Daniel walked away and the garage door closed, I opened my eyes.
Noah opened his at the same time.
We did not hug.
Communications Equipment
We did not talk loudly.
