Chapter 3
Sleep refused to be a quiet guest and settle in, choosing instead to come in fits and starts that had John staring at his clock for hours on end before finally giving up. He could’ve raided his stash of Ambien to solve the problem, but he chose instead to stand under the pelting spray of his shower, letting it sear over his shoulders for long minutes.
He was terrified of dreaming. He lacked the strength to face Frank again, even if it would only be in his imagination.
The sun peeked through his kitchen curtains when he heard Corrine’s door open and close. Five minutes later, she stood in the kitchen doorway, still clad in her Cookie Monster pjs, staring at him like he was a stranger.
“Good morning,” he said with a bright smile. It didn’t matter that he was as far from cheerfu
