TESSA
I stepped inside the house like someone walking into a stranger’s life. My hands were shaking so badly that I had to grip the wall just to stay upright. Everything looked too empty for a place that used to feel like home.
My brain wouldn’t stop replaying Damien’s voice
She killed your father.
The words followed me through the hallway like footsteps I couldn’t outrun.
I swallowed, but nothing went down. My throat felt dry and thick, like it was closing in on itself. My chest tightened again, that heavy, dragging pain that made each breath feel like it was being pulled through broken glass.
I called out, “Mom?”
My voice barely came out. It sounded small… like a child’s whisper.
No answer.
I tried again, louder. “Mom!”
Still nothing.
Only the air conditioner hummed back.
I f
