Abigail laughed out of reflex, a nervous sound that did not match the cold feeling forming in her chest.
“What are you talking about, Evan. We are at a birthday party.”
“Do not argue with me,” he said, his voice tightening further. “Do not ask questions. Just take Sophie and get out of that house right now.”
She swallowed, suddenly aware that her heart was beating too fast, that the cheerful noise around her felt distant and strange. Evan had never raised his voice in panic, never spoken without explanation, never sounded afraid. This was not anger. This was fear.
“Evan, please tell me what is happening,” she whispered.
“I will explain later,” he said, his breath audible, uneven. “Please trust me. Leave immediately.”
Abigail closed her eyes for one second, gathering courage she did not know she had. When she opened them, she walked back into the living room with a smile stretched across her face, the kind that hurt her cheeks because it was forced.
“Sophie, sweetheart,” she said, bending down beside her daughter, “we are going for a short ride, and we will be back soon, so put on your jacket for me.”
Sophie looked confused but nodded, trusting her mother without protest. Natalie glanced over while cutting another slice of cake and raised her eyebrows in silent question.
“Everything alright,” Natalie asked.
“Yes,” Abigail answered, keeping her voice light. “I just forgot something in the car.”
Natalie accepted the answer and turned back to her guests. Abigail took Sophie’s hand and walked toward the front door, each step heavier than the last. The hallway felt longer than usual, the music behind them growing softer as they reached the porch.
The moment the door closed behind them, the night air hit Abigail’s skin, and she heard it. Sirens. Not one or two, but many, approaching from different directions, rising and falling like a storm rolling across the sky.
Sophie clung to her mother’s hand.
“Mommy, what is that sound,” she asked.
Abigail forced calm into her voice even as her stomach twisted.
“It is okay, love. We are just going to the car.”