Prelude 10

The bed next to her was empty. Aaron hadn't come home last night.

It had been a terrible argument, about the usual things: his frequent absences, his drinking, his shouting, her spending, her dissatisfaction, her coldness towards him. They screamed at each other, neither listening, the kids huddling together in one of their bedrooms.

He had eventually stormed out as many times before, but this time he was gone.

She called Joe to see if he was there but Joe hadn't seen him either.