I grip the railing as I make my way down the stairs, wincing slightly. Every step reminds me of what we did yesterday...…of him, of how much I let him take me and how raw it feels now. I've never taken that size before but I didn't think I would be this sore and sensitive down there later. I try to ignore it, focusing on each step carefully ca, letting the warmth of the house and the faint smell of polished wood ground me.
When I reach the bottom, I take a deep breath and make my way to the girls' room. The door swings open, and the first thing I notice is the sudden burst of energy inside. Tessa, June, and Lila are all there, lounging on the couches and floor, laughing over something one of them just said. Their heads turn toward me, and they all brighten in unison.
"There she is!" Tessa exclaims, hopping off the couch and reaching for me. "Finally! We were starting to think you'd disappeared into the space or something."
