Then, Carol said carefully, “Susan, your daughter hasn’t been here in weeks.”
I sat down.
“What? “
“Susan…”
“Carol, Maddie leaves my house every Friday evening. She tells me she’s coming straight to yours.”
Another pause.
Then Carol asked, “Where does she tell you she’s going?”
“Susan, your daughter hasn’t been here in weeks.”
Before I could answer, my phone buzzed against my palm.
A text from Maddie.
Movie night with Frances! Love you ❤️
I read it twice.
Carol was still talking.
“Susan? Are you there?”
“I need to call you back.”
I ended the call and immediately pressed Maddie’s name.
“I need to call you back.”
She answered on the second ring.
Too cheerful.
“Hey, Mom! I thought I’d leave early with Frances right after school.”
I stared through the kitchen window.
“Having fun?”
“Yeah! Frances just made popcorn. We’re about to watch another movie.”
I closed my eyes.
“Another one?”
