CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FOUR - A Birthday Surprise

"I asked you to take out the trash yesterday, Lucas," Ella said, her voice tight with frustration. "It's overflowing now." Lucas looked up from the newspaper he'd been pretending to read, his jaw clenching. "I've been working double shifts at the garage, Ella. I'm sorry if I forgot about the trash." "We all have responsibilities," Ella snapped. "I'm working too, and taking care of Sophie, and trying to keep this house together." Lucas slammed the paper down on the coffee table. "And what, you think I'm not doing my part? I'm out there every day, watching for any sign of danger, making sure we're safe." "Safe?" Ella laughed bitterly. "Is that what you call this? Living in constant fear, jumping at shadows?" "What would you have me do?" Lucas's voice rose, and he quickly glanced towards Sophie's room, lowering it again. "This is our reality now, Ella. I'm doing the best I can." Ella sank onto the couch, suddenly deflated. "I know. I just... I miss our old life. I miss us." Lucas's