The book called to me from its hidden place, a siren song I couldn't ignore. I knew it was near, concealed somewhere in this house. I can feel its power thrumming in my bones, urging me to seek it out.
But I don't have time to look for it now, Emma needs me.
"Time to go, sweetie!" I call upstairs, tamping down my impatience. My fingers twitch with the urge to tear the place apart, to search every shelf and drawer until that ancient book is in my hands. But my little girl's dance lesson waits for no one.
Emma's footsteps pound down the stairs. She twirls into the lobby, her pink tutu fluttering. "I'm ready, Mommy!"
Ugh, she is so cute I could die!
I smooth a loose wisp of hair back into her bun and usher her toward the door. "Into the car. Quickly now."
As I buckle Emma into her seat,
