Chapter 59

Isabelle's mother paced from left to right on her front porch. She held a glass of water in her right hand and a white, tiny pill in her left. Her head felt heavy and painful, as if someone were incessantly hammering her on the inside. Her teary eyes were fixed on the empty street in front of her house.

"What is the matter now?" Her husband and Isabelle's father stepped out, standing by the blue front door. The middle-aged man clicked at his wife's behavior then dragged her inside the house.

"How many times have I warned you against pacing on the front porch?" The man barked, slamming the door.

"I'm sorry." Mrs. Jenkins whispered, her eyes never meeting her husband's. Isabelle had always thought that the marriage between her parents was good. She had no idea what happened behind their closed bedroom door.

"The neighbors are already spreading rumors that you are crazy." He sized up her trembling form, clicking loudly.

"I miss her." Mrs. Jenkins whispered, biting the inside of her chee