Vanessa
I slept little, or rather, I didn't sleep at all. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Alexander's face lying on the floor, blood spreading around his head, and my hands trembling as I tried to rouse him.
Then I'd open my eyes with a start; he was still there, still real.
Everything was still real… I got out of bed just as dawn was breaking. I wasn't hungry, but I went down to the kitchen and made coffee. I didn't even drink it. The cup sat in front of me while my hands cupped the hot porcelain.
I heard my father's footsteps. He came in, already wearing his jacket and carrying his briefcase.
He looked at me for a few seconds.
"Did you sleep?"
I let out a bitter laugh.
"What do you think?"
He didn't answer. It was useless to lie to each other. We both knew that house had cea
