DINNER plates had long been cleared.
The house was unusually calm. The television murmured to itself in the background, some late-night talk show host laughing at his own joke. The twins’ distant voices could be heard faintly down the hallway, followed by Wendy’s softer tone, probably correcting them or accusing one of them of cheating at whatever game they were playing.
Hazel sat curled into the far end of the couch, one leg tucked beneath her. The TV glowed against her face, but her attention was nowhere near it. Her thumbs moved quickly over her phone screen, expression shifting every few seconds, from a small smirk, to a frown, and then an eye roll.
Fully concentrated.
Her father stepped into the living room quietly, phone still in his hand. He paused for a second when he saw her t
