#Chapter 177: The Monster Of Your Past

When Esther reaches her parents’ house, she’s relieved to discover that Davis no longer has been instructed to hold her up at the door. After greeting her kindly and taking her coat, he guides her toward the living room, where Mom and Dad are sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Dad’s reading the newspaper. Mom is working on a crochet blanket. Neither look up when she enters, though as she sits in the tall-back arm chair, they do acknowledge her. “Good evening, Esther,” Mom says. “Esther,” Dad says. “How is Thea?” I ask them. “Still recovering,” Mom says. “She’s doing well,” Dad says. “You don’t have to lie,” Thea says, standing in the doorway. All three of us stand, not having expected her. “Thea,” I say in relief. She does seem to be alright, standing there in an oversized hoodie and loose sweatpants. Her hair is a mess and she’s not wearing makeup, which is unusual for her, yet compared to the last time I saw her, when she was in a hospital bed, she looks positi