Chapter 37
Asher
With my heart in my throat, I race down the hall to Claire’s room. I don’t have time to prepare a speech, so I’ll have to live with whatever flies out of my mouth.
But when I step through her doorway, I come to a screeching halt. Her typically messy room is empty, and the sheets have been stripped. I turn, only now noticing the sound of the washing machine. That’s okay. We can make up her bed again later. Or she can sleep in mine.
Bea’s door is closed, and when I peek inside, I discover my daughter sound asleep.
I pad into the kitchen, where the smell of coffee fills the room. I expect to find Claire at the table with a mug in her hand, but the pot is full and the room looks the same as it did last night.
Except this morning there’s a single key on the island, along with a handwritten note.
Dear Asher,
I’ll never forget this summer.
Love,
Claire
Blood whooshing in my ears, I dart to the front door and throw it open. Please, please let her be in the driveway.
But I’m too late.
She’s gone.