F I F T Y - T W O

ELIZABETH.

I didn’t see James till I went back to bed last night. I waited for almost an hour before I was taken by sleep.

And this morning, he’s still not here.

I shut his door with a frustrated sigh; the sound making a noisy slam that echoes down the empty hallway.

I’m starting to get more than worried. This had never happened before, so why would he suddenly disappear from the house without telling me? Where could he possibly be?

I turn away after another glance at his closed door and make my way toward the stairs. Each step down makes my heart thump in my chest, dread filling me at the possible ways my morning could go, and with James’ absence, I hate it even more.

I arrive at the end of the staircase and pull my lips into my mouth before I find the courage to drag my feet forward, jumping when a body appears out of nowhere and I almost crash into the side. I lift my gaze and swallow when I meet Mom’s eyes. She’s dressed for work, her lips pressed into a thin line, and the look in