It only took Paul about twenty minutes to walk home. The sun had set, and it was dark outside as he made his way up the steps. The only car in the driveway was his mother’s, and he didn’t see any crowded along the street, like there had been when he’d left.
Paul opened the door and stepped inside quietly, shutting it behind him and taking off his boots and jacket. The house was quiet, a stark contrast to how it had been before he’d left. From the kitchen, Paul heard the sound of soft footsteps, and when he turned towards them, he saw his mom headed into the living room.
“Hey sweetie,” said Laurie, in a quiet voice. She was still wearing the thin night gown that she’d had on before. Just looking at her made Paul begin to get excited all over again. His heartbeat sped up, and he began to h
