Chapter 13

Ripples stirred in my heart, mirroring the surface of the lake. At least someone still cared whether I lived or died. "If you keep this up, you'll catch a cold. Better head back," the security guard urged. I nodded, and as I began walking home, I could hear his footsteps trailing behind me at a measured distance. I stopped, and so did he. When I turned around, he quickly said, "I'm not following you. This just happens to be part of my patrol route." He was clearly not used to lying. His eyes flitted nervously, avoiding mine. I let it slide and continued ahead. It wasn't until I stepped into my yard that he finally turned and left. When I reached the door, it was already locked. I called out a few times, but no one answered. After a while, I gave up and sat down on the doorstep. Alfred would've left the door open for me. The only one who would lock me out was Andrew. I didn't know how long I sat there before I heard the door open behind me. Even then, I didn't move a muscle.