Lydia Walked In Smiling — Then Saw the Suitcases
Lydia came home two hours later like nothing was wrong.
Shopping bags in hand.
Energy light and carefree.
“Olivia, sweetie!” she called out in that sugary voice. “Thanks for watching the twins!”
Olivia didn’t respond.
She was sitting quietly with ice on her shoulder, looking like someone who’d been forced to perform while injured.
Then Lydia noticed me on the couch.
Her smile cracked.
“Oh! Hi… I didn’t know you were coming by,” she laughed, too loud, too fast.
“Clearly,” I said, sipping my tea.
