I hurried into the kitchen, put the groceries on the counter, and opened the refrigerator.
Molly appeared in the doorway.
“Oh! You’re back.”
I looked at her reflection in the refrigerator door.
“Yeah.”
“That was quick.”
“The deli was closed.”
She glanced at the shopping bags.
“Did you get the crackers?”
I picked up the package.
“Spicy ones and regular ones. Apparently, we’re running a luxury resort.”
She laughed.
“Thank you, honey.”
Then she kissed my cheek.
I nearly stepped backward.
She noticed.
“What’s wrong?”
“Cold hands.”
I had no idea why I said it.
She looked at my hands.
“You’re not cold.”
“Then I guess I’m getting old.”
She smiled and kissed me again.
For seven years, that little gesture had made me feel loved.
Now it made me feel sick.
Kai walked into the kitchen a moment later, holding a bottle of water.
“Hey, little brother!”
I turned.