I wake up the next morning to the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. I glance at the clock: 10:38 AM. Ma should already be at work, so unless she forgot something at home and has come back for it, there's someone else outside. Brushing my hair out of my face, I listen, and seconds later, hear a heavy knock on the door.
A man's knock.
I'm instantly afraid. There shouldn't be anyone visiting us, especially now, especially a man. Mom doesn't have any male friends, and neither do I. The landlord is a man named Martin, though...maybe it's him?
"He—hello?" I call out timidly.
"Hello!? Tatiana? Can you come down here?"
My heart leaps as I recognize the voice.
Michael.
This is not okay. This is so not okay. A hot wave of anxiety starts at my toes and doesn't stop until it hits my che
