Page 140 of Molt

My blood turns cold.

No.

The kettle begins screaming behind me.

I don’t move.

The man looks directly at my window.

Then smiles. I know that smile. I’ve seen it in a memory that wasn’t mine.

How badly do you want her back?

My knees weaken.

He crosses the street slowly. Like someone arriving exactly where he expected to be.

I back away from the window.

My phone rings.

Unknown number.

Every hair on my body rises. I don’t answer.

It stops.

A text appears.

Unknown:

Hello, Sarah.

I drop the phone. “No.”

Another message.

Unknown:

Or should I call you Lenora?

My stomach turns.

I grab the phone.

ME:

She’s dead.

Three dots appear. Disappear.

Then…

Unknown:

No, darling.

My hands begin shaking.