The doorknob moved.
Grace reacted before she had time to think.
She rushed down the hallway, closed Belinda's bedroom door, and turned the lock just as the handle at the front door rattled again. Her heart was pounding so hard it hurt.
"Mom?" Belinda whispered from the other side of the door.
"Stay there," Grace said quietly. "Don't open it for anyone. No matter what."
Another knock came, heavier this time.
"Grace," Ted said from outside. His voice was calm. Almost gentle. "You don't need to be scared."
Her hands shook as she grabbed her phone and dialed 911.
"I'm at my house," she whispered when the operator answered. "He's here. He's at my door."
The silence on the other side of the line felt unbearable.
Then a loud bang hit the door.
Grace screamed.
Luisa appeared from the kitchen, pale and trembling.
"He's trying to get in," Grace said. "Go to Belinda. Lock the door."
Another удар. Harder.
The doorframe creaked.
"Open the door, Grace," Ted called. "I just want to see my daughter."
"No," Grace shouted back. "You don't get to say her name."
The sirens were still too far away.
The door gave in with a sharp crack.
Ted stepped inside.
He looked thinner. Older. His eyes were wild, restless—but when they met Grace's, he smiled.
"There you are," he said softly. "I missed you."
Grace backed away, grabbing a lamp from the table.
"Don't come any closer."
Ted laughed under his breath.
"You always did that," he said. "Act brave."
A sudden shout came from the hallway.
"Police! Don't move!"
Ted turned too slowly.
Two officers rushed in, weapons raised. Ted dropped to his knees as they tackled him to the ground, his face slamming into the floor.
Grace slid down the wall, her legs giving out beneath her.
From the hallway, Belinda screamed.
"Mom!"
Grace ran to her daughter, pulling her into her arms, shaking just as hard as she was.
"It's over," Grace whispered, though she wasn't sure if she believed it. "You're safe."
Outside, the sirens grew louder.
Ted was dragged past her, handcuffed, his eyes still locked on Grace.
"This isn't over," he said quietly. "You know that."
The door slammed shut behind him.
Grace held Belinda tighter.
And for the first time, she realized something terrifying.
Ted hadn't come to hide.
He had come to stay.