Chapter 2 — The Running Water and Rising Tensions
The rush of water drowned out the sound of Charlotte’s desperate sobbing.
The faucet had been left running at full pressure, sending a steady stream of tap water swirling down into the stainless steel basin.
“I was just washing my hands,” Charlotte choked out, pointing a trembling finger right toward the running stream.
“I came down to get a glass of water, and my hands were sticky from the baking flour.
That is the only reason I was standing right here by the sink!”
Evelyn crossed her arms tightly over her chest, refusing to soften her stance.
“People don’t just lose things like that,” Evelyn fired back, her voice shaking with agitation.
“That box was closed on my vanity. And you are the only one who has been wandering around this end of the house all morning.”
“I didn’t touch your box!” Charlotte shouted through her tears.
“I didn’t even go into your room!”
The water continued to spill unheeded down the drain, splashing against the metal basin walls and creating a chaotic, rushing white noise that filled the entire kitchen.
Harrison stood frozen by the doorway, taking in the scene with a heavy frown on his face.
He looked from his weeping daughter to his rigid, grieving mother.
Instead of speaking, Harrison took a slow step forward across the linoleum floor.
He reached out and turned the faucet handle halfway, reducing the roaring torrent to a thin, quiet stream.
The sudden drop in noise made the heavy breathing and quiet sniffling in the room terribly loud.
Harrison kept his gaze fixed on the drain opening at the bottom of the stainless steel basin.
He noticed the small metal mesh strainer basket resting securely inside the drain hole, half-submerged in the swirling pool of soapy water.
Harrison stepped closer to the counter, reached out his hand, and stopped just inches above the drain.