Ivy

*Later that evening, I'm curled up on my bed, hugging my pillow tight. I'm still thinking about the weird noises. It wasn't fighting... but it didn't sound like talking either. What were they doing? A sudden, awful thought makes my eyes widen. Matthew... was he hurting her? No, Mom didn't seem hurt... but maybe she was just pretending! Maybe she was scared! The thought makes my stomach twist. I have to know if she's okay. I quietly slip out of my room and pad down the hall to my mom's door, pushing it open a crack.* Mom? Are you asleep?