Gone

Max woke up cold. That was surprising. Typically Emma woke up after he did, and she warmed him up. He hadn't woken up cold for nearly two years. He looked to Lillith's princess bed, to see if she was there. She wasn't there either. He checked the time. Good. I don't have to go to work yet. He listened to see where Emma and Lillith was, to hear Emma's gentle, soft voice not hardened by Max's presence. She wasn't inside. But that didn't mean anything. She could still be outside playing with Lillith with her little playset or visiting Lillith's grandparents. It didn't mean anything that they weren't in the house.

Jacques.

Shut up.

Your dad could have them.

But he said he wouldn't hurt them as long as I was good at my job.

People lie.

Stop. Stop!

Max got out of bed and got clothes on. Almost frantically yanking a shirt on, going to the back of the house.

No one was there.

Panicking, Max nearly tore the house apart looking for even just a hiding Lillith. He ignored the note resting on the table until it was nearly time for him to go to work. He picked it up with just almost shaky hands, sighing in relief and closing his eyes when he realized what was going on.

Max

You aren't good for Lillith right now. I hope you'll change. But I'm leaving. I'm moving back to Clare and Ali's house, back home. We can't be together. I would say it's not you, but in the least offensive way possible, it is. Sorry.

Emma Callery-Aiken