RILEY..>>TWO HOURS LATER I quietly closed the kids’ door, my heart still pounding from the chaos of the night. Finally, Evie had drifted off mid–story, Zayden finally stopped asking why Grandma was crying, and Whitney—sweet, fragile Whitney—was asleep after I gave her the last of her medication. I stood there for a long second, watching her small chest rise and fall, willing peace to last at least for her. I was about to turn toward my room when I nearly walked straight into Soren.He was dressed again, wearing a dark shirt, jeans, keys in hand. His hair looked like he’d run his fingers through it too many times, his eyes hollow and stormy. He's going out?“Where are you going?” I asked, stopping short, my voice coming out sharper than I meant it to.He didn’t look at me at first. “Out.”“Out?” I repeated, crossing my arms. “You mean what exactly? Out for a walk, out for a drive, out to lose your mind completely—because honestly, that’s where it looks like you’re headed.”He exha
Last Updated : 2026-02-09 Read more