Page 123 of Seeking Shadows

"You have Abby."

"She’s not mine," I mutter, rolling my eyes.

"No, she’s not," he agrees with a small chuckle. "But one day, your person—whoever they are—will be there for you. And loving them will be as easy as breathing."

I scrunch my nose. "I don’t think I’d like anyone. It seems gross."

My father laughs.

"Now go to sleep," he says, ruffling my hair one last time. "And tomorrow, you can show me more drawings, okay?"

I nod, my eyes already heavy. He turns off the light and walks to the door, but before he leaves, he looks back at me with a smile.

"Good night, champ."

"Daddy?" I mumble.

He turns, the same gentle smile on his face.

"I love you, Daddy. As easy as breathing."

His eyes soften. "I love you too, champ. As easy as breathing."

And even with all the questions still swirling in my head, I feel safe enough to close my eyes.

I wake up to hushedvoices in the hallway.

Blinking against the weight of sleep, I clutch my blanket to my chest. The house is dark, except for the sliver of light spilling through the gap in my slightly open door.

I turn onto my side and lie still, listening.

It's Kyle and Cole.

A strange unease settles in my stomach. There’s something off about the way they’re speaking—too quiet, too urgent. Like they’re doing something they shouldn’t. Like they’re… running away.

Slowly, I slip out of bed, my bare feet meeting the cold floor. I move soundlessly to the door, fingers tightening around the wood as I peer into the dimly lit hallway.

Kyle is the first person I see. He’s slinging a backpack over his shoulder, his face tight with tension. Cole stands beside him, whispering something, his eyes darting around like he’s expecting someone to catch them.

They look nervous.

No—scared.

My heartbeat pounds in my ears.

Something isn’t right.

I hold my breath as I watch them slip out the back door. Fear claws at my chest. Where are they going? Why do they look so afraid?

I take a step back, my pulse racing. I should follow them. I should call out.

But my feet won’t move.

And then, without thinking, I turn and bolt down the hall.

I reach my parents’ bedroom and push inside. The room is steeped in darkness, but I don’t need light to know where my father is. He’s asleep, lying on his side, his breaths deep and steady.

I scramble onto the bed and shake his arm, my fingers clutching tight.

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