Chapter Eight
Charlie
We walked through the falling darkness with Waffle bounding ahead. The air was crisp and chilly, winter holding onto it by the teeth until spring could snatch it back.
Stars spread across the sky, glittering like diamonds. Our breath was misty in the air. I was so hot inside, I barely noticed the chill. I idly wondered if I was half out of my mind.
A small part of my brain was squeaking that I needed to hurry back home. The more rational part reminded me that I went to work every day, and Emily went to school. I could be gone for a little while. Considering that I’d set up an alarm on the home, which would alert my phone when any doors were opened, I knew it was fine to leave. Em had been all on board with that plan. If I’d worried she was the kind of kid to try t
