A moment pause

Muffled voices drift up from downstairs—indistinct,

Mrs. May is talking to someone at the door. Her tone is polite, clipped—curious, maybe even cautious.

I slowly make my way to the landing, each step drawing me closer to the unknown.

When I turn the corner, I stop.

It's Dan.

My stomach flips.

He looks up the moment he sees me, his face lighting up as though the sight of me ignites something in him.

"Hel—" he begins, but stops short when Mrs. May glances at me and quickly steps aside.

"I see you have visitors," Dan says lightly, but his eyes are already drifting past me, into the house, taking everything in. I sense his nerves, masked behind an attempt at calm.

He steps forward before I can respond.

"I came as soon as I heard the news."

I just stare. My mouth doesn't move. I can't form words. It's as if time has stalled,