The first thing Wylie noticed when he went into the bedroom shortly before nine Wednesday morning was the smear of blood where Alicia had hit the wall and slid down to the floor. He shuddered, everything that had occurred flashing through his mind. Taking a deep breath, he averted his gaze to the window. The sun was shining, accentuating the green of the trees on the hills off in the distance.
It’s a new day. Bright and beautiful. The horror is over for everyone who lives here. He knew that wasn’t quite true. Betty and Jake Harte would have to face what their daughter had done. He pitied them, hoping the townspeople would give them the support they would need instead of turning their backs on them. I know they will. It’s the way they are.
He got dressed, in jeans, a casual shirt, and soc
