AFTERNOON Vanessa had finished her job for the day earlier than usual and she decided to come back before before her kids return from school to be able to make something delicious for them. But as Diego brought the car to a halt outside her house. Something felt off. The open gate and the eerie silence sent a chill down her spine. She couldn't find the guards that they had assigned to be on standby outside. Her breath quickened as she stepped out, the cool afternoon air brushing against her skin. Diego and Lily alighted from the car and quickly followed behind her. Her heels clicked sharply on the stone path as she hurried to the door. The door creaked open under her push. Vanessa froze in the entryway, her hand trembling on the doorknob. The living room was destroyed. The couch was

