[Chapter 2] Jared’s hopping from one foot to the other, rapping on the door with the same staggered rhythm. It’s like a game to see how many times he can go without losing his balance. The wind whistles through the trees behind him and he stifles a giggle at its playfulness. On the other side, he hears a murmured curse and shuffling of feet before a lone branch, brown and weatherworn, slaps against the side of the house. He frowns at it, mimicking his momma’s reproachful look and it seems... read more