Amelia held Timmy’s hand as they stood on the sidewalk, watching Felix’s car disappear into the night.
She was about to head upstairs with Timmy when something caught her eye—a black sedan parked at the corner of the lot. She couldn’t see the license plate, couldn’t tell if anyone was inside, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Timmy tugged at her hand.
“It’s nothing, honey. Let’s go inside.” Amelia forced a smile and led him toward the building.
In the elevator, Timmy finally spoke up. “Penny was so mean today. She’s never acted like that before.”
Penny had always been a little spoiled, sure, but she’d never been cruel. She used to stick up for Jinx, even. Timmy frowned, already making up his mind to talk things through with his sister.
Amelia didn’t say anything. Penny had really hurt her this time. She was done chasing after her daughter, desperate for warmth and always getting the cold shoulder. She’d do what she could as a mother, but she wasn’t going to force herself anymore.
When they got home, the apartment was spotless—Donna had clearly been there. Timmy’s pajamas were already laid out on his bed. Donna went to run his bath while Amelia changed into her loungewear. She opened her laptop and tried to focus, but her eyes kept drifting to the window, out into the endless night. That black car from earlier popped into her mind again, making her uneasy.
She got up suddenly and left her room.
“Donna, we’re almost out of milk. I’m going to run to the convenience store.”
“There’s still half a bottle left, ma’am. I can grab some in the morning.”
“It’s fine, I’d like some fresh air anyway.”
“Would you like me to come with you?”
“No, it’s okay. Stay with Timmy.”
Amelia grabbed her phone and headed downstairs. The black car was still there. In the back seat, she could just make out a hand resting on the open window, a cigarette glowing between long fingers, a pale wrist catching the streetlight.
She walked a little closer, just enough to check the license plate. Not Ryan’s car.


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