Until the day everything fell apart.
It started with something small.
A canceled flight.
Lucas had been scheduled to travel to Seattle for an important deal, but a sudden storm grounded all departures. Instead of frustration, he felt an unexpected sense of relief. It meant he could go home early… surprise them.
On the way, he stopped at a local bakery and bought a box of cinnamon rolls—Teresa’s favorite.
He imagined her smile.
But when he arrived at the mansion, something felt wrong.
Music blasted from inside—loud, careless, out of place. Laughter echoed through the halls.
He stepped in and found Vanessa hosting a gathering. Several of her friends lounged around with drinks in hand, dressed in designer clothes, their voices sharp and indulgent.
Lucas greeted them briefly, scanning the room.
“Where’s Mom?” he asked.
Vanessa barely glanced at him. “Somewhere around.”
The answer didn’t sit right.
So he walked past them, toward the back of the house, his unease growing with every step.
And then he saw it.
Teresa.
Sitting on the cold ground near the dog enclosure.