Her 18th birthday came on a Tuesday.
I hugged her before work that morning, told her I loved her, and promised we’d do something special that weekend.
There was something nervous about her smile. “See you later,” she said.
I didn’t think anything of it.
We were close, but different.
When I came home that evening, my world stopped.
My suitcase was sitting on the porch. The big one I used for trips I never took because there was always something Lily needed more.
Taped to the handle was a printed photo of me.
And on top of the photo was a folded piece of notebook paper.
When I came home that evening, my world stopped.
Continue reading…
