The grocery deliveries stopped soon afterward.
Whenever Claire asked about them, Diane said the orders had been delayed.
Brooke took several boxes of formula home, explaining that her friend had recently had a baby and needed help.
Jason carried frozen meals from the freezer to his car, claiming they were being moved to Diane’s larger freezer.
Claire believed them because she had no reason not to.
That morning, the truth had finally become clear.
Diane, Brooke, Jason, and Ben arrived with suitcases.
They packed food into coolers. They took toiletries from the bathroom, the warm quilt from the guest room, and the new shawl Ethan had bought for Claire’s birthday.
Brooke said the hotel might be cold at night.
When Claire protested, Diane placed the note on the refrigerator.
“You have noodles,” she said. “You’ll survive for a few days.”
“What about Lily?” Claire asked.
“You’re her mother,” Diane replied. “You need to learn how to manage.”
