The blue plate.
It was still on the table.
There were pieces of dinner left on it.
Most people would have ignored a plate with food on it.
But after everything that happened, it was the only thing in the kitchen that did not fit the version Daniel would later tell.
I placed some of the untouched food into a freezer bag.
Noah helped me keep the drawer steady because my hands were still shaking.
It was not a dramatic moment.
It was slow.
Careful.
Necessary.
Then we heard the car.
The headlights moved across the blinds.
We moved back into position.
The kitchen tile was still cold against my face.
Kitchen & Dining
Noah went still beside me.
The lock turned.
Daniel walked inside.
For a moment, he did not look at us.
He went to the table.
That was when I understood he had not returned because he was worried.
