Every shadow on the wall seemed to stretch toward me.

I climbed the stairs, gripping the wooden banister to keep my balance.

The second floor was dark, save for the low-wattage nightlights lining the baseboards.

I hurried down the corridor to Lily’s room at the end of the hall.

I opened the door slowly, trying to prevent the hinges from creaking.

Lily was sitting upright in her bed, her small hands clutching her stuffed rabbit.

“Mommy?” she whispered, her eyes wide in the gloom.

“Hey, sweetie,” I said, keeping my voice soft and warm. “We’re going on a little trip.”

“Now?” she asked. “But it’s dark outside.”

“It’s a special adventure,” I said, walking quickly to her closet.

I grabbed her favorite pink backpack from the top shelf.

I stuffed a pair of jeans, three shirts, and her heavy winter coat inside.

My hands were shaking so hard I could barely pull the plastic zipper shut.

“Is Daddy coming?” Lily asked, her voice very small.

“No, sweetie,” I said, kneeling by her bed. “Just you and me tonight.”

I looked into her eyes, searching for any sign of panic.