My first instinct was to call the police. My second was to call Daniel. I pulled out my phone, and then I stopped.
« What time are you leaving again? »
« You’re back early. »
He never asked me that. Not once in seven years of marriage.
I sat there for a long time listening to my own breathing. Then I started the car and drove home.
****
Daniel was on the porch when I pulled in, phone pressed to his ear. He straightened when he saw me and said something quickly before hanging up.
« You’re back early, » he said. « Traffic bad? »
« A little, » I answered. « I turned around. Didn’t feel like being alone out there. »
« Probably for the best. »
He studied my face for a second.
« You didn’t go inside? »
I forced a small shrug. « No. I wasn’t in the mood. »
His shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly.
« Probably for the best, » he said.
