How many evenings had Adeline and Edward spent on her sofa ? How much had she observed ? How much would she understand now ?
“ Come , love ,” Wendy said , her naked feet inching closer on the lawn . “ Come and tell me what ’ s wrong .” Crunch crunch . She mustn ’ t burden her . And after all , was there anything that Wendy could even do or say ? Crunch crunch . Behind Adeline , the flames had reached the roof , dancing wildly in the coming dawn . She had left the front door open , and the flames were there too , like fingers beckoning her . Crunch crunch . Her feet turned her around to face the house . They moved her forward . Crunch crunch . Walked her up the path that led to the front door . Behind her , Wendy was shouting something , but the roar of the fire drowned her out . Crunch crunch . How warm the air was now . Crunch crunch . Like a kiss all over her face , warm fingers running through her hair . Crunch crunch . She was laughing . Laughing at the flames , at the voice in her head , howling with fear and anger . Crunch crunch . Laughing as she walked .
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