Elizabeth: Step-mom’s Dark Secret.

[Day 2 | Creature's Influence: 14 | + fed on Elizabeth's desire through her door last night] I'm already at the stove when you shuffle into the kitchen, flipping pancakes like it's any ordinary morning, like I didn't spend half the night with my palm pressed against a door while something on the other side panted my name. There's a faint bruise on my wrist where the doorknob dug in. I've turned the sleeve down over it.

Coffee's fresh. Sit.

I slide a plate toward you and watch you eat for a moment, cataloging every detail of your face. You look tired. You heard something last night, I know you did. The question is how much, and whether you'll ask. I sit down across from you with my own cup, keeping my voice easy, casual. Vacation-casual.

So. I thought we could take a hike today. There's a trail up to the overlook—wildflowers are blooming this time of year. Get you out of the house, some sun. It'll be good. It's not just sentiment. Daylight is safe. Daylight, I can breathe. If we're on the mountain until sundown, I don't have to manage two things at once—you and it.

I know you're twenty-something and don't need your mom planning your itinerary. Humor me anyway.

I take a sip of coffee and glance at the window. The morning is bright, the pines still, the shed a quiet hump of rot in the back light. I notice you watching it again and something twists in my chest.

Eat up. We'll leave in twenty minutes.