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Willa claps her hand over mine. “Hales… Were you in this fire too?”

“I got out in time, but yes I was.” I still remember the screams, trying to listen for where they were coming from, butthe smoke was rising, and flames were crawling up the walls like vines and I couldn’t help anyone but myself. I was thirteen.

“Did anyone else?—”

“I’m not sure how many people were injured. I just know there was one person who didn’t make it out alive. After that, I spent the next several years trying to forget about the fire to avoid the memories from resurfacing. That’s why I don’t go home very often.”

“But I don’t understand. Why would Lara’s family hate yours?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. They blamed my dad because he was the landlord. But he wasn’t even home when it happened. I think blaming someone else made their grief easier to live with. It’s the only reason I can think of.”

Except, it isn’t…

EIGHTEEN

SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH 6:30 PM

The white noise of the bathroom vent doesn’t have the same effect it typically does. The purpose is to keep the room from fogging up when there’s steam. I thought it might also help with the fog I seem to be stuck in.

My back is against the inside of the door, and I have my case study notebook open on the floor in front of my pretzel crossed legs. I might not be able to write anything legible with how hard my hand is shaking but I need to get my notes of observation from Friday night. Maybe it’ll help me piece more information together too.

Bruises on children

Madden’s obsession with mermaids

The sound of a whining dog

Girls aren’t allowed to play hide-and-seek… Why?

Unhinged internet search history… Lara or Corbin?

Marital issues between Lara and Corbin