And two days later, I packed the children and told them we were going to visit Aunt Gwen — because I thought if I went to her, if I brought the children, she would soften.
I thought she couldn’t do anything terrible if the children were there.*
My throat closed.
“She brought the children as protection,” Daniel said quietly.
I couldn’t speak.
“Uncle.” He leaned forward.
“Keep reading.”
The last paragraph on the second page was short.
Just four sentences.
*I am writing this because I am afraid.
I don’t know what Gwen is capable of anymore.
If something happens to us on this trip, please know that it was not an accident.
And please know that I loved you every single day.*
The room was completely silent.
Daniel stood up and walked to the window.
He stood there with his back to me for a long moment.
When he turned around, his jaw was set.
