I Won’t Let You Die

‘Daddy?’ Jennie stood in the living room, rubbing her sleep-filled eyes. ‘You said you had a surprise for us. What is it?’ Austyn had wanted to surprise the kids with Kira’s return. He closed the bedroom door and fought to keep his voice even. ‘Sorry, honey, the surprise is…gone.’ Jennie pouted. ‘Can we go visit Mummy at the hospital?’ Austyn bent down to hug the little girl. ‘Mummy needs to rest. Doctors said she shouldn’t be disturbed.’ He turned on the TV. ‘Why don’t you watch some cartoon while I get started on dinner?’ Joshua looked up at him. Austyn saw concern in the boy’s eyes. He squeezed Joshua’s shoulder. ‘Keep your sister company, will you? Daddy has things to do.’ He went into the kitchen, pulled the door shut, called Kira’s phone. When she didn’t pick up, he switched on the tracking app. A blinking red dot indicated Kira’s location. Austyn stared at the map onscreen. What was she doing at the cemetery? He called Ryan, who picked up after one ring. ‘I’m in the lift.’ Austy