"Then... why don't we go get some fresh air first? The community charity awards ceremony is at two this afternoon. We can take Harry to pick up the trophy."
She walked to the entryway console, peeled off a sticky note, and hunched over the counter to scrawl a crooked line of words.
She stuck it on my door.
"Be good, Libby. Mommy's taking your brother out and will be right back. There's cough syrup and a hand warmer by the door. If you're hungry, come out and eat. Love, Mommy."
Before leaving, Terence took one last look at the door.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a locksmith.
"Hey, eight o'clock tonight. You'll want to bring a power saw. The doorframe's been sealed shut with expanding foam. It'll have to be forced open."
He hung up, took Harrison's hand, and they walked out the front door. Harrison held the little "Boundless Love" commendation banner high, bouncing with every step.
The deadbolt clicked behind them. The apartment fell completely silent.
At six that evening, the family of three came home.
Harrison had a gold badge pinned to his chest. Terence cradled a crystal trophy engraved with the words: Family of the Year — Terence Chavez & Sally Fox.