Page 72 of Guarded from Danger

I squeeze Xavier’s hand as we leave the kitchen and make our way towards the stairs. At the base of them, I call out again, “Mom? Are you upstairs? Is it okay if Xavier and I come up there?”

There’s nothing at first. Then a few seconds later, my mom replies from upstairs, “We’re in the bedroom, Lucy. Of course you can come up. We’ve both been waiting to see you.”

Tears burn behind my eyes as I glance over at Xavier. He leans down to press a kiss to the top of my head, murmuring, “Don’t borrow trouble, remember? Let’s go up and see your parents. I’m sure they’re going to be thrilled to see you.”

If only this was a normal homecoming. Or at least, the one I was imagining. My parents home, healthy and happy, and we’d all sit in the family room—Xavier, too, of course—catching up on everything that’s happened over the last few months.

As we get closer to my parents’ suite, I try to ignore the nerves fluttering in my belly. I try to ignore the what-ifs and focus on things I know.

My parents are home. Safe. My dad isn’t in the hospital, at least.I’msafe. That horrible game is over, so I can focus on helping my parents. I can come here anytime I want. Xavier is here, supporting me.

Just before we get to the bedroom door, I paste on a smile and turn to Xavier. “Does this look real?”

His forehead creases in confusion for a second. Then understanding smooths the tiny lines away. “Yes, sunshine.” He kisses me, a soft look in his eyes. “Your parents are going to be so happy to see you.” After a beat, he adds, “I love you, Lucy.”

“I love you too.”

Then, with a lift of my chin and a steadying breath, I get ready for whatever I’m about to find on the other side of the bedroom door.

It’s slightly ajar, so I can see into the sitting room part of the suite, with the blush-colored couch that faces the small gas fireplace with small bookshelves on either side of it. A book is open and face-down on the couch, and I recognize it immediately as one of my first novels.

Did my mom sit there reading while my dad slept, wanting to feel close to both of us?

Pausing in the doorway, I say, “Mom. Dad. Is it okay to come in?”

“Lucy.” It’s said so affectionately, I almost burst into tears. “Can you come help me with your dad? If Xavier wouldn’t mind waiting in the sitting room for a second?”

Xavier nods at me. “Go,” he says quietly. “I’ll be right here.”

I watch as Xavier heads towards the couch, his lips lifting as he spots my book there. Then he turns to me and smiles before mouthing,I love you, gorgeous.

Warmth fills my chest, and all at once, everything feels a little lighter.

This is going to be okay. Whatever comes next, I can handle it.

With Xavier, I can handle anything.

With a genuine smile this time, I take a right turn, heading into the bedroom side of the suite.

I can do this. I’m a grown woman who made it through things more terrifying that I could imagine. I’m strong enough for anything.

Rounding the corner, the first thing I see is the king-sized bed, blankets thrown back and sheets rumpled. Several more of my books are scattered haphazardly across the mattress. Anempty plate sits amid them, with bits of crumbs and streaks of sauce still on it.

Something’s wrong.

Even sick, my dad would never leave the bed this way. Ever.

And whereishe?

“Mom? Dad?” I glance towards the bathroom door. Could they both be in there? Is that why my mom needs help? Is my dad stuck in there?

“Mom?” My voice pitches up, on the verge of panic.

“Not quite.”

The voice is low. Unfamiliar. Threatening.

Something presses against the back of my head, hard and cool and?—

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