She immediately shut up, pulling her hands close to her chest, her brows furrowed as her grey eyes still refused to meet his gaze. Her entire body was tense at this point and she was slowly edging away from him, although it was obvious that she wasn't trying to show it to him.
She closed the door of the bedroom, feeling a horrible pang as she realized she was relieved by his absence.
Poppy exhaled slowly, feeling guilt and worry and sadness swirl in her chest as she sat on the edge of the bed.
The writing was harsh and unfamiliar. Francis - You’ve *squee!*ed up. You realize that, yeah? You’ve done a terrible, terrible thing. I’m taking my sister and my niece and my nephew, and I’m taking them far, far away from you. You were never good enough for her, but now you’ve proven that you’re actively damaging her, and I’m sure it won’t be long before you damage the kids as well. Don’t come after them. I’ll be getting her to file a restraining order against you as soon as we get home. You will not see her again. You won’t see any of them again. Never speak to this family again. -Edward Abernathy
The house was empty. He would notice small things now. James' favorite toy was not on the high chair. Diana's backpack was not on the hook. Poppy's house key had been thrown on the side table.
