Page 1 of Wild Embers
PROLOGUE
BLAKE – 7 YEARS OLD
Ikeep my mouth clamped as I wait for Daddy to come back. He left my room in a huff with Walker, Levi, and Santigo, Daddy’s best friends.
They were all talking really loud. Levi sounded scared. Santi sounded mad. Walker was yelling.
It hurt my ears. I’m glad they left. But now I’m home alone because Mama’s at work tonight.
I don’t like being alone when it’s dark outside.
Throwing my fluffy purple blanket over my head, I hide. My breath makes it hot, but no one can get to me here.
The creak of the front door makes me bring my legs to my chest and wrap my arms around them. Footsteps thump down the hallway, and I bury my face in my knees.
Daddy’s back. But I don’t want him in my room.
Squeezing my eyes shut, light from the hallway brightens my room.
“Blake?”
That’s not Daddy.
Ripping the blanket off my head, my hair falls on my face, but I know who it is. I know that voice.
Walker stands in the doorway. Levi and Santi are right behind him. Levi looks like he might cry. Santi won’t look at me.
“Walk?” I push the strands away. “Where’s Daddy?”
“He’ll be back later.” Walker comes in, sitting on the edge of my bed.
Levi kneels on the floor in front of me. Santi quietly closes the bedroom door before leaning against it with his arms folded.
They look sad.
Walker keeps rubbing his hands together. Levi keeps swallowing hard. Santi’s jaw looks funny, like he’s biting his teeth together.
Why are they sad? Did Daddy say something mean?
I feel my mouth frown. “He left?”
Why would Daddy leave me?
“Don’t worry about it.” Walker shakes his head.
“Do you know when he’s coming back?” I ask again, moving my legs so I’m sitting crisscross.
Walker sighs. “I’m not sure.”
My shoulders feel heavy. “Do you think it’s safe to get Mr. Bear?”
“Where is Mr. Bear?”
I look down at my lap. “He’s hiding under my bed.”
Levi reaches beneath the bed. “Found him.” He dusts Mr. Bear off before carefully placing him in my lap.
I hug him close to my heart. “Thank you.”
