The car ride was quiet. The rain followed us the entire way.
I just sat there, holding Poppy's box on my lap, my fingers curled tightly around the edges.
My nose stung. I sniffed quietly, turning my face toward the window so Phil wouldn't notice.
The car slowed, then stopped.
I looked up, as he pulled over. And my chest tightened.
The Donovan mansion stood right in front of us.
For a moment…I couldn't move.
I'd been here before. And I'd left thinking I would never step foot here again. Not in a world that didn't want people like me.
"Eli." Phil's voice cut through softly.
I blinked, swallowing whatever was rising in my chest.
"Come on," he said, already stepping out.
I nodded and followed.
The rain hit harder the moment I stepped out, and the weather was extremely cold. Phil held the umbrella over both of us as we walked inside.
The golden lights glowed softly above us.
I didn't belong here. I knew that already.
