Eventually, Stanley Batton carried Xyla Quest out of the car and carefully made his way into the house. He was gentle when he walked, and when he opened the door.

Stanley carried Xyla all the way to the master bedroom. After getting inside, he pressed his back against the switch to turn on the light.

The dark room became bright.

When Xyla slowly opened her eyes, she realized that she was in Stanley’s arms. Her heart immediately clenched. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I couldn’t,” he said.

Xyla