There was a pause.

“No… I can’t.” Her voice grew quieter.

The officer’s hand tightened around the phone.

“Then tell me what happened. You only call the police when something important is going on.”

“It is important…” the girl sobbed. “Mom and Dad are in the room… and they aren’t moving.”

In an instant, the officer’s drowsiness disappeared.

“Maybe they’re just sleeping? It’s very late.”

“No. I tried to wake them. Usually, Mom always wakes up when I come in… but not this time.”

The officer’s instincts told him something was terribly wrong.

A Child Alone