The girl in the fireplace

Prologue

"Mommy I swear the birds were singing with me! They were so beautiful!!"
Janice Halder smiled at her 6 year old daughter as she climbed into bed, explaining her exciting day of playing outside.
   "And there were squirrels and rabbits and I've never seen anything more beautiful! !!!! I'm gonna make sure that they stay that way forever!!
    "Melody I swear you live in a fireplace"
Melody looked at her mother in confusion but got into bed as she was told. She was kissed goodnight and her mother left the room, leaving the soft whisp of the ceiling fan the only sound.
    Mrs. Halder stepped out into the hall and hastened down the stairs to say bye to her husband as she left for her night shift at the hospital. 
    "Eric!" She called as she grabbed her purse and keys.
     "In here" a voice called from the living room.
      Eric Halder stepped out to meet her in the doorway, almost 6'7 he filled up pretty much the entirety of where a door should have been. He was tall and tan, blonde haired and fit.  He was a big guy, which made him an extreme contrast to his petite wife.  Standing at 5'1 her head of long, gypsy, black hair barely reached his shoulder. She glared at him in frustration, her green eyes smiling although her face was cold.
   "Eric! You scared me!" He laughed at his wife's  playful slap on the arm and leaned down to kiss her.
   "Have a good night, love you, and take the robot out of your ear" He was referring to her blue tooth.
   "You damn near killed yourself last week when you swerved off the road. That thing distracts you and you're going to get in an accident." His words were laced were with irritated concern under the casual statement. His face expressed it when Janice blew him off with a giggle and a kiss as she walked out the door.
   "I'll be home at like 7:30 tomorrow.  Make sure Melody is up. I love you!" The door shut behind her.