Part 2:
Something cracked in Elena’s chest. She turned her face to the window so the children wouldn’t see her cry. The drive took 15 minutes. The neighborhood changed gradually from the sketchy downtown area to treeline streets to actual gates with security guards. Mason waved at the guard. The SUV turned onto a private drive.
Even through the snow, Elena could see the house was massive. Of course, it is. The garage door opened automatically. They parked between a Tesla and a vintage Mercedes. Home, Mason announced. The kids piled out. Elena sat frozen. I shouldn’t be here, she said quietly. Mason turned in his seat. Where should you be? I don’t know.
Then here’s as good as anywhere. You don’t understand. You’re right. I don’t. Mason’s voice was gentle. But I know what it looks like when someone’s got nowhere to go. And I know my kids would never forgive me if I left you outside. So, please just come inside. Elena looked at his hand extended toward her.
She thought about the cold, the bus shelter, the divorce papers turning to pulp in the snow. David’s voice, useless. She took Mason’s hand. Inside, the house was warm. Too warm. Elena stood dripping in the massive entryway, feeling like an intruder. “Mara, can you show our guest to the downstairs bathroom?” Mason asked. “Help her find some dry clothes.
” The teenage girl nodded silently and gestured for Elena to follow. They walked through a kitchen that could have been in a magazine, down a hallway lined with family photos, into a bathroom bigger than Elena’s old bedroom. Mara opened a closet and pulled out sweatpants and a sweater. “These were my mom’s,” she said quietly.
First words Elena had heard her speak. “They’ll fit.” Then she left. Elena stood alone in the bathroom. She caught sight of herself in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the reflection. Hollow eyes, blue lips, hair plastered to her skull. What am I doing here? But she stripped off the wet dress, put on the dead woman’s clothes.
They fit perfectly. When she emerged, Sophie was waiting in the hallway. “Daddy made soup,” she announced. “Come on.” She grabbed Elena’s hand and pulled her toward the kitchen. The whole family was there. Mason stood at the stove, ladling soup into bowls. Ethan was setting the table. Mara was pouring water into glasses.
It looked like a scene from a different life. “Sit,” Mason said, gesturing to a chair. Elena sat. Sophie climbed into the chair next to her. “Do you like chicken noodle?” Sophie asked. “It’s from a can, but daddy makes it fancy.” “Fancy is a strong word,” Mason said, setting a bowl in front of Elena. Steam rose. Elena’s hand shook as she picked up the spoon.
She took a sip. It was the best thing she’d ever tasted. Or maybe she was just starving. So Mason said carefully, sitting down with his own bowl. I’m Mason Carter. These are my kids. You’ve met Sophie. That’s Ethan and Mara. Elena swallowed. Elena Brooks. Nice to meet you, Elena. Daddy. Sophie said.
Can Elena stay for breakfast, too? Sophie, what? She should stay. It’s still snowing. Mason looked at Elena. You’re welcome to stay, he said. We have guest rooms. You can stay as long as you need. I can’t. Yes, you can. You don’t know anything about me. I know you needed help. Mason’s gray eyes were steady. That’s enough.
Elena felt tears building again. Why are you doing this? Because someone did it for me once. Mason glanced at his kids when I needed it most. Ethan was watching her carefully. Are you running away from someone? He asked bluntly. Ethan, Mason warned. What? You always say we should ask direct questions. Not like that. But Elena shook her head.
It’s okay. She met Ethan’s eyes. I’m not running. I was I was left behind. Understanding flickered across the boy’s face. Oh, he said quietly. Yeah. Mara spoke up suddenly. You can stay in the room next to mine, she said. It has a lock. In case you need space, the kindness was too much. Elena put down her spoon.
I don’t understand why you’re all being so nice to me. Sophie tilted her head. Why wouldn’t we be? You don’t know me. So, Daddy didn’t know us either, but he still picked us. Sophie, Mason said gently. That’s different. No, it’s not. Sophie turned to Elena. We were all in bad places before daddy found us. Ethan was in a group home. Mara was in the hospital.
I was in a really loud place with too many people and not enough food. But Daddy came and got us and now we’re a family. Elena stared at Mason. You adopted all three of them. Yes. Why? Mason was quiet for a long moment. Because they needed a home, he finally said, and I needed them. What about your wife? The question slipped out before Elena could stop it.
Pain flickered across Mason’s face. She died, Mara said flatly. Four years ago. I’m sorry. Don’t be. Mara’s voice was hard. You didn’t kill her. An uncomfortable silence fell. Mason cleared his throat. Mara, what? I’m just saying. I know what you’re saying. The teenage girl stood abruptly. I have homework. She left.
