Her house appeared ahead like a promise and a threat. And then she saw it. A car in her driveway. Not hers. A dark sedan, idling for a heartbeat, then rolling backward as if it had sensed her approach. Julia’s stomach dropped so violently she tasted acid. The car reversed, turned, and eased past her without hesitation.
Through the windshield, Julia caught a glimpse of the driver. A woman with her hair pulled back. Dark jacket. Calm posture. Both hands on the wheel like she was obeying every rule of the road. Like she hadn’t just torn Julia’s life open. Julia hit the brakes and sat there, stunned, watching the sedan glide away as if nothing had happened. One minute.