Chapter 9: Family Ties

My wife and I met in college—same SAT score, opposite ends of the curve. She was top of her class, I was at the bottom of mine. We joke that together we’re perfectly average.

But she’s the soft place I land. When the nightmares come, she runs her fingers through my hair, humming the lullaby she used to sing to Ellie. She knows when to fight my demons and when to just hold me.

I lean on her shoulder, breathing in the lavender scent of her hair. "A detective came today. After all these years, I’m still getting pulled back in. I feel miserable, honey."

She wraps her arms around me, her warmth easing the ache. "It’s alright. You didn’t do anything. The police are just doing their job. Don’t worry."

I squeeze her hand, my fingers trembling. "I’m scared. The gifted class ruined my life."

She wipes the sweat from my brow, cool and steady. "Don’t overthink it. Dry off and go check on Ellie."

I slip out of bed. "I’ll feel better if I see her."

She smiles. "You really are a doting dad."