Page 15 of Since the Day We Left

“And you?” Arthur asked.

“Born here. Spent twenty-seven years in Manhattan—big job, big city-life, the whole deal. Then last year ...” She let out a slow breath. “This town called me back.”

Arthur’s eyes crinkled. “Always does.”

“I run an art shop in town—The Painted Shell, off the corner of Main and Maple. Friday’s classes are free if you ever feel like dropping in.”

“The Painted Shell. Good name.” Arthur placed a hand on his chin. “I think my neighbor mentioned that place a time or two. I usually don’t go that far—no need.”

“I order supplies online for him. It’s just easier that way,” Miles explained.

Wendi smiled. “First class is on the house,” she said, hoping it didn’t reek of desperation.

Too late.

Arthur’s grin widened. “New brushes wouldn’t hurt.”

Miles rocked back on his heels. “Maybe we’ll swing by sometime. Good meeting you, Wendi.”

“Y’all too.” The word slipped out before she could stop it. She probably hadn’t said “y’all” since the day she’d left Hadley Cove over twenty years before.

As they turned to go, Max strained at the leash, letting out a low, pleading whine.

Arthur kneeled, cupping Max’s face. “Kindred souls always recognize each other, don’t they, boy?”

6

Miles

Monday

Smokecloggedhislungs.Flames devoured the walls. The hallway stretched impossibly long.

“Mom!”

A faint cough—somewhere ahead.

He pushed forward, the heat searing his skin.

Then—there. Her silhouette against the inferno, reaching for him—

Above, a loud crack echoed. Embers rained down.

“Miles, now!” Her hands clamped onto his shoulders. “Go!”

“No! Mom, come with me!”

“I’m right behind you! Don’t worry!”

A final shove—the heat vanished instantly. Cold air rushed around him as he tumbled through the window. Behind him, a deafening crash.

The house caved in, fire swallowing it whole.

“Mom!”

Miles shot awake, tangled in the sheets, his heart pounding as sweat dripped from his neck.

Is that smoke?

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