For twenty long minutes, she disappeared inside. George’s mind swirled with questions. What was she doing? She hadn’t refueled; what was unfolding inside that quiet building? Zoe emerged, quickly got into her car, and sped off. George, thinking quickly, detoured to a bakery. He needed an alibi – a reason for his absence when Zoe returned home.
His hands trembled slightly as he paid for the bread. The events of the morning kept replaying in George’s mind, making him more uneasy. He felt caught up in a mystery with Zoe and Rex at the center. Their home, once a safe place, now felt distant and unfamiliar. George felt like a stranger, surrounded by unfolding secrets. Holding the warm, soft bread contrasted sharply with the cold uncertainty George felt inside.