The Illusion of Calm

SERAFINA

I hear the sound of drilling from the hallway, metal creaking, and low voices murmuring between themselves. The house feels different today. Like, not just the people, but the house itself is bracing for something.

Rosa gently nudges the plate toward me.

“You should eat. Serafina, you look a little pale.”

“I’m fine,” I say automatically.

She gives me that look, the one that says she doesn