#Chapter 62 – Soft Paw, Hard Paw

“I’m hoooome!,” Amelia sings as she breezes through the door. It’s late, nearly 10 o’clock. She stops, suddenly, in the foyer, looking around at her house. It’s an absolute wreck. “Oh my god,” she whispers. “What happened.” There are toys, clothes, nerf darts and discarded plastic weapons all over the floor, all over the stairs – is that silly string on the banister? Victor comes around the corner of the living room, in pajamas of all things. Amelia stares at him, a little horrified. She doesn’t think she’s seen Victor in pajamas outside of the bedroom…maybe ever. “Hey, babe,” Victor says, smiling at her and running a hand through his hair which also has a little silly-string in it. “Welcome home!” “Hi Amelia,” Ian says, peeking out from behind his father. But Ian doesn’t smile. Alvin peeks his head out too and waves cheerfully. “Hi, guys,” Amelia says slowly. “What are you all doing here? I thought…” “Evelyn asked if they could stay over,” Victor says, absently palming I