Cracks and Bargains

Eve’s POV

Few days later or maybe a week later.

Eve sat curled on her bed, legs drawn up to her chest, her cheek pressed against the denim of her knees. The soft creak of Toby sneaking into her room did little to lift her mood.

“I brought snacks,” he whispered, holding out a bag of chips like it was a peace offering to a war-hardened general.

Eve didn’t move.

He stepped closer. “You haven’t eaten since yesterday. If you die, I’m not going to your funeral. I hate those.”

She blinked once, slowly, her voice dry as dust. “Then I better live. Wouldn’t want to inconvenience your social schedule.”

Toby frowned, but the sarcasm passed over his ten-year-old head like a breeze. “You’re still mad ‘cause you didn’t find Lily, huh?”

Mad? No. Mad was easier. She was empty now. Chased every possible lead, walked through woods, checked roadsides, even tried to trace the scent of her old perfume like some lunatic bloodhound. But nothing. No trail. No footprints. No Lily.