her explanation, rapid footsteps sounded on the basement stairs.
Alex rushed into view with a pharmacy bag in his hand.
The instant he noticed Dorothy sitting there, his expression turned white with shock.
“Dorothy!”
He let the bag fall and hurried directly toward her.
His terror looked entirely genuine.
There was no resentment, annoyance, or suspicious attempt to conceal anything.
He was simply scared for her.
I contacted assistance while Alex gently helped Dorothy settle into a more comfortable position.
Fortunately, her condition wasn’t nearly as severe as I’d imagined.
She’d suffered a serious ankle sprain, but there were no broken bones.
Relief washed over me.
Once I knew Dorothy was safe, however, several troubling questions resurfaced.
Why had she practically vanished from everyday life?
Why was Alex communicating on her behalf?
Why had she suddenly rejected my assistance?
And what had persuaded her to let a much younger stranger
