She didn’t want to return to her house. It had never been filled with love and laughter, but it was the only home she’d ever known. They approached the house. Yellow tape flapped in the breeze. The delicate flowers that yesterday bloomed gloriously in the summer sun now lay trampled and broken. The glass panels in the sturdy front security door usually gleamed crystal clear, but reflected nothing beyond the smudged greasy film left by the fingerprint dust. “We don’t have to go in,” Dawn said with her hands still resting on the steering wheel. “Mom wants you to come and stay at our house. She’s worried.” McKenna carefully pushed the door open with her bandaged hands. “Not this time. Your family has always been there for me. I probably would’ve turned out just like Elliot if it hadn’t been for you and Scott…before he died.” Dawn came around the car so McKenna could lean against her until her legs steadied. “Scott failed you. He was selfish.” Dawn glared at the dark sedan across the street.
