I Gave Away the Birthday Chocolates, Then the Screaming Started

An upgraded porch light that made the entryway look like a magazine cover.

I didn’t knock. I still had a key.

The door opened with the same familiar resistance, then gave way. Inside, the house smelled like lemon cleaner and whatever expensive candle Evelyn was currently pretending matched her aesthetic. Something floral and sharp that made my throat continue reading …