Chapter 11

The soft glow of the living room lights cast a warm hue across the space as Josiah came in from the garage, carrying the gift box in his hands. His fingers paused for a moment on the rich blue velvet, gently brushing the unopened wrapping paper. He could not tell what was inside just by feeling it, which piqued his curiosity. Priscilla usually handed him gifts straight up. She wouldn't wrap it fancily. This was the first time she had put in that kind of effort. Just as he was about to start unwrapping it, his phone suddenly vibrated on the coffee table. The name "Brittany Dresler" lit up the screen like a sharp pin bursting a bubble, slicing through the cozy, amber light in the room. "Josh, where did you go?" came a drowsy, slightly slurred voice from the other end. It sounded like she had not fully sobered up yet. "I'm home. What's wrong?" Josiah stopped unwrapping the box when he heard Brittany's voice, and his tone automatically softened. "I don't feel so good. Why aren't you