Page 43 of Where We Stay

That’s all.

* * *

I pull into the drop-off area outside Hartwell Elementary and park near the front gate.

Aspen is quiet in the back seat, clutching the straps of her backpack. Beachy’s stuffed claw is sticking out through the partially open zipper.

“You’ve got this, Pen,” I remind her as I help her out of the truck.

“I know,” she says, although her hand immediately reaches for mine.

A staff member stands beside the gate with a clipboard, greeting students as they arrive. Parents aren’t allowed farther than the entrance during morning drop-off, which means introducing myself to Aspen’s new teacher will have to wait.

I scan the courtyard anyway, looking for a face I don’t recognize.

Nothing.

“Daddy!” Aspen suddenly exclaims.

I turn toward her and see a little girl with blonde pigtails waving frantically from inside the gate.

“Annie!” Aspen calls back.

The nervousness disappears from her face.

She releases my hand and starts toward her friend before quickly turning around.

“Bye, Daddy!”

“Have a good day, baby girl,” I call after her. “Love you.”

“Love you too!”

Aspen runs through the gate, and Annie immediately grabs her hand. They disappear toward the classrooms together, their backpacks bouncing behind them.

She’ll be okay.

It’s good to have someone in your corner. Someone who can make the scary shit feel slightly easier just by being there.

I wait until Aspen is inside before returning to my truck.

* * *

When I arrive at Hartwell Motor Co., Knox’s car is already parked out front, and the reception lights are on.

Rory’s here too.

I wonder if they’ve killed each other yet.

I walk inside and find Rory sitting behind the reception desk with a coffee in one hand and the appointment book open in front of her.

“You’re early, Aurora,” I say with a smirk.

She looks up and immediately scowls. “Call me that again, and I’m changing every password in this building.”

“Good morning to you too,” I reply.

“It was a good morning until you walked in.”