Never

I put that blessed dress back on and laid back on that bed. Finished puzzling over what Gray had said, I vowed to banish everything he’d said or shown me from my mind.

At least for now.

Without any intention of doing so, I’d dozed off.

Letting myself sink into that comfortable mattress. I enjoyed the feel of fabric wrapping my body, the dress, and was lulled into pleasant rest.

At least until I felt a tight grip on my forearm. Shaking me so hard my teeth rattled.

For one paralyzing moment, I thought I was back in that horrible night.

With the boy shaking me awake to tell me everyone was dead.

I popped open my eyes and glimpsed the familiar face.

“Ssh.” He put a finger to his lips. “Just Old John Thomas for you, Mum.”

“What are you doing here?” I sat up urgently. My eyes skidding to the doorway. “If he catches you here, he’ll kill you!”

“He’s not as sly as he thinks, Mum.” Old John Thoma