She had left it behind.
I grabbed it, planning to run outside after them, but Linda’s car had already disappeared.
As I held the backpack, something shifted inside.
I opened it.
Notebooks.
A granola bar.
A sweatshirt.
Then, underneath everything else, I discovered a crumpled piece of lined paper.
I unfolded it.
The message was short.
Let’s see if you still think it’s funny when your hair is gone.
I read it once.
Then again.
My stomach twisted.
Was Emily being bullied?
Had someone threatened her?
Was that why she cut her hair?
And if Linda knew, why hadn’t she told me?
I covered my mouth with my hand.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
The empty house gave me no answer.
Then my phone buzzed.
Melissa.
Of course. Her message appeared right away.
Rachel, Karen called out sick. We’re slammed. I need you back here.
