into the light. His heart skipped

ped, his voice fi

red. "Eugene, thank goodness you're okay. I heard about the commotio

cess his father's sudden appearance

enter finishing up some work when I heard the rumors about Zulu. I knew you were at the zoo,

lief. "It was scary at first, but everythin

into curiosity. "Tell me, son, what

ifferent animals he'd studied, the notes he'd taken, and some of the obser

ud smile. "It sounds like you're really getting

completely calm earlier, but then it was like he snapped. He got so aggres

vior in animals can mean many things. It could be

ntal?" Eug

bout to happen, or even something unnatural in their surroundings," Ethan explained. "

he possibilities. "It's like there's a bigger

der. "Maybe there is. And maybe you're

As they climbed into the car and gave the driver thei

e," Ethan said as th

at the dark streets. "But I can't stop thinking a

ity runs in the family, son.

o the night, carryin

the bright light of the front yard. Odess

hugging them both. "I've kept din

air as they entered the dining room. The table was nea

irst; updates about Ethan's research and Eugene'

r worry was obvious in her voice. "It's been days, and I'

Odessa, you worry too much. Emma's fine. She's a gro

he city is so different from here. She's still new to her jo

strong, Mom. She'll be okay. But calling her to check in

small smile. "Thank you. I j

mly. "And she'll call yo

y talked about lighter topics. Eventually,

he said. "Thanks for din

Ethan said, rais

ne," Odessa added

bed, letting out a long sigh. But as he lay t

sterio

kled with excitement as she spoke about animals. And

staring at the wall. "Who is

r presence lingering in his mind. His heart raced just thinking ab

d his eyes, determined to sleep. But her

e, plates piled high with leftovers from lunch. Everyone was b

. She picked up a spoon and held it like a microphone, mimicking

y Zulu didn't wake up and have a chat with you! Th

picked me up and swung me around like a vine?!" She stoo

from laughing too hard. "Zulu woul

laughing along as she tr

ow, maybe Zoe would've taught Zulu a

. But amidst the cheerful chatter, Lilian s

touching her daughter's hand. "Lilian, a

a small smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just.

"I'm proud of you for exploring so much today. Yo

er chest. She hated lying, but how could she explain tha

Zoe skipped away, still humming a silly tune about monkeys. Dana ling

e, she shut the door and leaned against it, letting out a

boy at the zoo; the way he spoke, the way his eyes lit up

ing about it. "Who is he?" she

he memory of him. It was like he had left a part o

feel the warmth of his hand wh

she was the only person in the world. She groaned softly, turning onto he

ene had smiled, the passion in his voice when he talked about animals, the

ever see him again," she whispered to herself, trying to reas

ghts. She grabbed it quickly, her heart skipping a beat, hopi

barely knew. She closed her eyes, trying to force herself to sleep, but the memory

s coming from the corner of her room where Lill

led softly, turning

s and letting out low whines. It wasn't he

he bed to kneel beside her. She stroked Lilly's fu

wned. "Are

ran down Lilian's spine as she followed Lilly's gaze. Outside, the night seemed darke

sharp bark, st

Lilian whispered

the window, pawing at it and barking louder now. Lilian h

under the old oak tree near the fence, she spotted movement. A fi

e stumbled back, clutching

hispered, even though she knew

tudying the house, then slowly turn

ut. She hugged Lilly tightly, her heart pounding

, still on edge but c

assing by, but deep down, she knew something wasn't right. The fig