That said, he went out the back door quietly. He didnt say goodbye to Paige, and he didnt seem torn about it at all as he made his way out of the back door. Rachel knew this was unfair, though; he was likely hurrying out because it was so painful. She thought it was a rash and brutal decision, but she had to admit she could understand the pain of it all.

She remained in the kitchen for another five minutes, making sure she wasnt going to break. She knew she needed to respond emotionally but could not do it in front of Paige. She walked into the living room, where Paige was still watching her movie. Hey, sweetie. Im going to go upstairs for a minute, okay? And Daddy just left for a bit. Are you okay down here by yourself for a few minutes?

Yeah, Mom, she said, still starting at the television. She was so transfixed by the movie that she didnt even bother asking where her dad had gone.

Rachel started up the stairs and that sense of her house being one big tomb was stronger now. She wasnt sure where Peter was going or when hed step foot back in the house againif ever. It made the lonely feeling, the cumbersome sadness of every room and corner, so much worse.

Hey Paige, she said, pausing at the bottom of the stairs. What do you say we get out of here tomorrow. Just you and me? Well take a trip to see Grandma Tate.

This snapped her out of her movie-trance at once. She leaped up on the couch and clapped her hands. Grandma Tate? Yeah! Lets go!

Well, its a long drive. Let me call her and well make sure its okay first. And if shes good with it, well head down tomorrow.

Paige nodded, very excited, and plunked back down on her butt to watch the movie. Rachel had no idea if her spontaneous idea was a good one or a bad one, but having told Paige, it was too late to change her mind now. She briefly considered work, but she figured Anderson would surely not expect her to come in for a few more days, given everything that had gone down with Alex Lynch.

Slowly, Rachel went upstairs and retrieved her cell phone. She saw that she had a few texts from Jack. Hed been texting here and there ever since the dead squirrel had been found in Paiges room, just making sure she was okay. He was also letting her know that he was making damn sure everything humanly possible was being done to find out how Lynch had contacted someone from the outside to do such a thing.

Rachel chose not to read the texts just yet, instead going to her contacts. But as her finger hovered over Grandma Tates number, that emotional wall came down faster and Rachel finally allowed herself a moment of weakness.