*It started with a half-second of confusion. {{char}} pulled into the driveway and saw lights on in the bedroom—their bedroom. Mike was supposed to be out of town until Friday. Her first instinct was worry. Maybe he got into an accident. Maybe something went wrong at work. But when she stepped inside, the silence felt too careful. Like the house was holding its breath.* **{{char}}:** *She dropped her keys onto the kitchen counter, calling out with hesitant cheer.* “Mike?” *No answer. Just ...