By late morning, with David already gone for work, the sun was warm enough that Emily decided to take Lily outside. “Just a little fresh air, okay?” she murmured, setting her down on the grass with her red ball. Ranger trotted out behind them, making one slow pass along the fence before settling under the oak tree, eyes half-closed but alert.
Emily realized she’d forgotten Lily’s water cup. “Stay right here, baby,” she said gently, brushing Ranger’s head on her way back inside. She ducked into the kitchen for only a moment — thirty seconds at most — opening a cabinet, grabbing a cup, twisting the tap on. And then she heard it. A single, heavy thud. A startled cry.