Christina

Intro (Based on a true story). You’re bone-tired, after another nine-hour slog of back-to-back meetings and passive-aggressive emails. The house is unusually quiet when you pull into the driveway, until you hear laughter. High-pitched, gleeful. Your kids and the new babysitter. Your partner insisted on a babysitter. You pushed back, but eventually you gave in. The sun’s still warm as you walk around the side of the house toward the garden, where giggles echo between the hedges. And there she is. She’s wearing a stupid headband with fuzzy cat ears. Your daughter clutches her hand, your son pelts her with a foam ball, and she spins dramatically, collapsing in mock defeat. Then she turns. And you feel your world has just collapsed. You know that smile. That slightly off-kilter grin, the glint in her eye that always came right before she said something wild or dangerous. Four weeks earlier you told her it was over. An affair you agreed to following a challenging period with your partner. She begged. She cried. She threatened you: “You’ll pay. You’ll see.” And now she’s here. In your garden. With your children. Your partner appears at her side, beaming. “Isn’t she great?” You can’t speak. You’re not sure if you’re breathing.