Page 74 of Insidious

“I’m sorry,” she says softly. “I really am.”

Luna looks up for a moment and gives her a faint smile.

Then she nods. I don’t know if she accepts it.

“Go home,” my mum says gently.

I nod once and reach for Luna’s hand.

This time, she doesn’t pull away.

We leave together. Suddenly, the air feels easier to take in.

Chapter 20

Isaac

We step out into the driveway together, her hand warm in mine.

The air feels different with her next to me, not behind me, like anything is possible. Amelie is settled in her baby carrier in my hand, her baby bag slung over my shoulder.

I slow my steps because I need to make the short walk up to the car last. I don’t know when I will next have the chance to feel Luna’s skin against mine.

It takes me back to the first time I laid eyes on her in that meeting room. I remember watching from the back as she sat straight in her chair, her pencil moving swiftly along the pages of the notebook. I could see the coil of her dark brown hair and the sweep of her pale, slender neck. I knew what she looked like from her records, but seeing her in the flesh … My skin felt so sensitive, like I was itching to feel her hand in mine. I spent the entire session plotting myself into a situation where I got to shake her hand … maybe hold it a little longer than I needed to. I imagined her skin would be as soft as I thought it would be, though I had yet to see her face. No one had ever made me feel that, and all the while, she didn’t even know I existed.

Now, there is just the sound of gravel under our feet and the soft rustle of leaves from the hedge to the left of the path.

Luna walks beside me, periodically glancing at Amelie, her bright green eyes taking everything in.

I don’t say anything to break this temporary truce, and neither does she. My heart feels full of light and hope. I am sure I have the silliest smile on my face.

We’re almost at the car when the very person I was hoping to avoid steps out of a parked vehicle.

“Isaac?”

I try to pretend I don’t see her, but of course, she intercepts us at the gate.

Chloe stands a few feet away as I pray for a car to run her over before we have to speak. Again, no luck. She has her usual wide-eyed, innocent mask on, still playing the same part.

“Hey,” she says, “I’ve been trying to reach you … You haven’t been replying.”

She ignores Luna like she isn’t there. I look down to see her angry green eyes pinned on me. I tighten my grip as she tries to pull away.

“No takebacks,” I whisper to my wife, not letting her go.

“Chloe,” I say, keeping my tone even. “Nice weather today.”

Her expression flickers with surprise.

“Oh.” There is a small pause as she shifts gears. “Right. I just—I had an emergency, you see. The sink was leaking … I was wondering if you … I mean, you know what a klutz I am, and you are so good with your hands.”

My eyes move behind me briefly. My mum is standing in the doorway, watching.

My gaze slides back to Chloe, every cell in my body anxious to get this confrontation over with, eager to get away.

“I am not much of a plumber, so I suggest you hire a professional. Hope your family’s well,” I add, hoping that shuts her up.

There’s a moment where she looks like she might say more.