In the days that followed, we moved all of Madison’s belongings back home. She chose to sign her lease over to her friend, Alice, who turned out to be having a hard time finding a new place for herself.
I found myself in a constant state of vigilance. Madison’s safety was my top priority, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that clung to me like a second skin.
I didn’t go to the office, opting to work from home and let Joe manage as much as he could himself. I stayed close to Madison, always within reach. During the day, I accompanied her everywhere, Chris tagging along whenever he wasn’t at school.
At doctor’s appointments, I held her hand and listened to the heartbeat of our unborn child. At the grocery store, when Madison wanted to get out of the house, I pushed the cart and reached for the items on the higher shelves as Chris stayed latched to Madison’s hand, excitedly pointing out his favorite items.