He Told Me They Were Dead

Summary

The house was on fire with my parents inside when I called my husband for help.

His voice was unnervingly calm. “Don’t be so dramatic, Sienna.”

“The power was out. Stella was just being thoughtful, dropping off some candles for them.”

“It’s probably just the candlelight flickering,” he said. “You’re far away. You’re seeing things.”

My voice trembled. “It’s real! The flames have already…”

He cut me off, his tone like ice. “If they get themselves killed playing with candles, that’s their own damn fault.”