w the smell of pancakes Mark was making downstairs. I knew the e

s day ended wi

This wasn't a dream

my daughter, was still asleep in her room

Chloe agreed. They wanted their perfect weekend. Emily died because they

nds were shakin

s unsteady. I had to sto

a pancake. "Morning, sleepyhea

ide, oblivious.

not going

-air. "What? Why not? She

ct. She needs to work on it." My vo

theme park, not a prison sente

arents." I'd already decided this, in the seconds it took to

You're unbelievable! Always so s

ent," I said. "S

ubbing her eyes. "Mommy?

t aching. "Honey, there's been a change of plans. You'

"But the roll

s weekend is for your project, remem

"This is ridic

ell is wrong with you? Chloe and Ethan ar

supposedly saved Mark's life in a work accident. Ma

s. To fulfill your duty to Chloe." The words tasted lik

e. "You'll go?

important to you, isn

a manipulated sense of obligation. "It is.

to be on that trip. I neede