Chapter 10 - THE NIGHT JACK MORETTI LOST CONTROL
The attack came on a rainy Tuesday.
I was at home with Noah.
Ruth had gone to the pharmacy.
The lights flickered.
Then someone knocked.
Three times.
I looked through the peephole.
Ethan.
My stomach tightened.
“Lily.”
His voice came through the door.
“Open up.”
I backed away.
“No.”
He laughed.
“Come on.”
I picked up my phone.
Called emergency services.
Then he shouted.
“Give me the card!”
Noah began crying.
I held him close.
The door shook.
Ethan kicked it.
Once.
Twice.
Then the lock splintered.
I screamed.
Police sirens sounded outside.
Ethan froze.
Then fled down the stairs.
Officers arrived moments later.
Noah was safe.
I was shaking.
And when Jack learned what had happened, he came to the hospital where I was being checked for injuries.
He found me sitting beside Noah.
My son was asleep against my shoulder.
Jack approached slowly.
“Lily.”
I looked up.
My eyes filled.
He stopped.
“Are you hurt?”
I shook my head.
“Not badly.”
He nodded.
Then looked at Noah.
For a moment, his expression softened.
May you like
He sat beside us.
And said quietly, “You don't have to face this alone.”
