I stood outside the house door for a long time, I felt like I was carrying a bomb. My skin felt tight, and the sensation of Serena’s lips against mine made me want to scrub my face with sandpaper.
I went there to end it. I went there to protect my family. And instead, I was coming home with a secret that felt like a layer of filth.
I took a deep breath, adjusted my jacket, and pushed the door open.
"I’m back," I called out. My voice sounded strange to my own ears, too loud and too forced.
Ava was on the sofa with a sketchpad in her lap. She looked up, and for a second, I couldn't breathe. She looked so peaceful. So beautiful and I felt a wave of guilt so strong it made my stomach ache.
"You were gone a long time," she said, setting her pencil down. She studied my face, her eyes search
