Chapter 148.

Amelia's POV

I had no way of responding to Eddie's statement. Instead, I changed the subject.

"Isn't Chloe going to school?" I asked.

"No," Eddie replied, rubbing his forehead, a clear indication that he was stressed. "I thought it would be best for her to stay home today, just to be safe."

I nodded slowly, understanding what he was saying. Just then, perhaps because she had heard her name, Chloe walked over to me and began to pull on my hand.

"Amelia, come play with me in my playroom," she asked.

"In a minute, sweetie. Let me just put my bag in my room."

As I headed to the stairs, she followed me. She stayed with me throughout as I unpacked my bag in the bedroom and then we headed to her playroom.

Chloe's playroom was an explosion of color and imagination, a testament to her boundless energy and playful spirit. Sunlight streamed through a large bay window, illuminating a space that felt more like a miniature amusement park than a room. Soft, plush carpeting in a vibrant shade of