Chapter 19

• Ellis awoke slowly, the room still illuminated by the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtain. The feeling that something was different made her sit up in bed, her eyes searching for her husband. But his side was empty. John hadn't returned home yet.
• Worry spread through her chest, and she quickly got up, determined to wake Donna up for school. While her daughter brushed her teeth, Ellis carefully adjusted her uniform, making sure everything was perfect. Then, her skilled fingers arranged the girl's black hair into an appropriate hairstyle.
• In the kitchen, Ellis prepared a bowl of cereal and milk for Donna. The little one sat at the table, but it didn't take long for curiosity to make her ask about her father. "Mom, where's Dad?" she inquired.