Chapter 11
I went to work every day, came home every day. I rarely saw River anymore, but Zoe called me all the time.
Sometimes she’d babble about preschool drama, sometimes about River.[]
Right before Christmas, Zoe called me.[]
Over the phone, she asked in her tiny voice, “Mommy, are you coming home for Christmas?“]
My heart clenched. “Sorry, baby. But you could come spend Christmas with Mommy.“]
“Mommy, Aunt Lily is gone now. We don’t have any more bad ladies in our house. Please come back!“]]
I went quiet for way too long. Finally I managed, “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Mommy is so, so sorry you had to deal with all that grown–up stuff. But Mommy didn’t leave just because of Aunt Lily. There were lots of problems, and Mommy can’t come home anymore. Baby, do you miss me? You could come have a sleepover with Mommy…“]]
“But Mommy, if I leave, Daddy gets really sad. He’s already super sad that you went away…”
…“)
The words I wanted to say got stuck in my throat. “I’m sorry, Zoe.“[]
“It’s okay, Mommy. Daddy says you love us more than anything, you just forgot about us… and when you remember everything, you’ll come home for sure. Mommy, I love you so much, and I love Daddy too.“]
After she hung up, I sat there staring at the ceiling forever. Eventually I sighed and rubbed my pounding head.[]
During holiday shopping season, Mackenzie and I hit the mall for last–minute gifts.[]
Mackenzie went to grab something while I scrolled through my phone, but suddenly I heard Zoe’s voice.
“Mommy.“]
I looked up immediately and scanned the area but didn’t see anyone.]}]
Right then, River called: “Willa, is Zoe with you?“]
“What? Why would she be?”
“She’s been obsessing over spending the holidays with you. Today she just… disappeared.“[]
“River, what the actual fuck? Where’s your nanny? Your housekeeper? Did you check the security footage?”
“I did. Try not to panic–she left on her own, heading toward your place. I brought her there before, so she knows the way.“]
I forced myself to stay calm. “I’m heading home now. You need to call the cops and pull the traffic cams.“[]
“Already on it.“]
The second I hung up, I heard that sweet little voice again: “Mommy.“]
I whipped my head around. Definitely Zoe’s voice, no question.[]
I followed the sound to this sketchy side door behind the stores, where I could barely make out a small figure.
I rushed over and yanked the door open, only to find some creepy doll.]
Next to it was a voice recorder stuck on repeat: “Mommy… Mommy… Mommy…”
Every instinct screamed danger, but before I could bolt, something cracked against my skull and everything went black.[]
