Chapter 2: She Locks the Kitchen
Marcus didn't stand up right away.
He stayed crouched beside Nia's chair, his hand resting on the edge of the table, his eyes still on her face.
"Only when I'm home," he repeated.
His voice was quiet.
Too quiet.
Nia nodded once.
Small.
Careful.
Like she wasn't sure if she was allowed to.
Marcus stood slowly and turned around.
Vivian had put her chicken leg down.
She was dabbing her mouth with a napkin, her eyes still aimed at the window.
"How long has this been going on?"
"I told you," she said.
"She already ate.
She does this when she wants your attention."
"Vivian." His voice dropped.
"Look at me."
She turned.
Her expression was calm.
Patient.
Like she was dealing with someone who had misunderstood something simple.
"She's fine, Marcus."
He walked to the counter and opened the cabinet above the stove.
He already knew what he was looking for.
Last week Nia had asked him why the snacks he bought were always gone before she got home from school.
He hadn't thought much of it then.
The cabinet was full.
None of it had been opened.
He turned back around.
Vivian's calm face shifted — just slightly.
Just enough.
Then Nia's small voice came from behind him.
"Daddy.
She locks the kitchen when you're not here."
The room went silent.
---
What Marcus found next — hidden in that house — exposed everything Vivian had been hiding for months.
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