At first, I thought it was a dream.
Then it came again.
Hard.
Three times.
My mother rushed out of her bedroom.
“Who is it?”
“I don’t know.”
She went downstairs.
I heard the front door open.
Then voices.
Several voices.
I sat up.
Something felt wrong.
I got dressed and came downstairs.
My mother was standing near the door.
Two police officers were there.
Behind them stood Caleb’s parents.
His mother was crying.
His father looked like he hadn’t slept.
I stopped.
“Mom?”
She turned.
“Emily, stay behind me.”
“What’s happening?”
One of the officers looked at me.
“Emily Carter?”
“Yes.”
“My name is Detective Harris.”
He showed me his badge.
“Can I ask you a few questions?”
“About what?”
“About Caleb Morgan.”
My heart jumped.
“Is he okay?”
Caleb’s mother began crying again.
The detective looked at her.
Then at me.
“Did you see Caleb last night?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“He came to prom.”
“Did you speak with him?”
“Yes.”
“Did he walk you home?”
“Yes.”
The detective nodded slowly.
“Did he say anything unusual?”
I thought about it.
“He said he would explain something to me.”
“What?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did he mention your house?”
I frowned.
“No.”
