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When he felt like he’d waited a suitable time, he returned to the apartment The candles were doused; Sara had left a mat and pillow for him He undressed in the dark and lay down Only then did he notice the note that Sara had propped on his pack He lit a candle and read

I’m sorry I love you All eyes--S

Just three sentences, but they were all he needed They were the sa to each other every day of their lives

--

He awoke to see Kate’s face just inches from his own

"Uncle Michael, wake…up"

He drew hi by the door "Sorry I told her to leave you alone"

It took Michael aso late He wasn’t used to sleeping at all "Is Sara here?"

"Gone for hours" He beckoned to his daughter "Let’s go--we’re going to be late"

Kate rolled her eyes "Daddy’s scared of the sisters"

"Your daddy’s a smart man Those ladies make my insides twist"

"Michael," said Hollis, "you’re not helping"

"Right" He looked at the girl "Do as your daddy says, sweetheart"

Kate surprised hiet back?"

"Sure I will"

He listened to their footsteps descending the stairs You had to hand it to the kid Pure emotional blackmail, but what could he do? He dressed and washed up at the sink Sara had left rolls for breakfast, but he wasn’t really hungry He could find so he actually felt like eating

He grabbed his pack and headed out

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