#Chapter 66: Help

AIDEN The kitchen was too clean. Shiny black counters. A spotless chrome sink. Not a crumb on the floor or a single dish in the drying rack. It didn’t feel like a kitchen anyone actually used. More like something from a magazine. Aiden sat stiffly on one of the bar stools, feet not quite touching the floor, his hands clenched in his lap. Pierce moved around behind the counter, opening drawers and cabinets like he belonged there. “So,” Pierce said, voice light. “What do you like to eat?” Aiden didn’t answer. He wasn’t sure he could speak. His throat felt tight, and his stomach still flipped every time he thought about leaving his mom behind in that room. Pierce didn’t seem to mind the silence. “How about peanut butter and jelly? Can’t go wrong with a classic.” Aiden gave a tiny nod. Pierce smiled like they were old friends. “See? Told you we’d figure it out.” He pulled out a loaf of bread, a jar of grape jelly, and a big tub of peanut butter. His movements were ea