Chapter 8 Moving plans

Relief washed over me as Rick shut the door behind him, leaving for the hospital on an emergency call. We'd spent the entire evening huddled around the kitchen table, strategizing. The incident at kindergarten had thrown a wrench into our carefully constructed human facade.

"They can't go back this week," Rick had said, his voice grim. "Not after that display of strength."

"I know," I agreed, frustration knotting my stomach. "But how do we explain it to them? They loved school!" Images of Sarah excitedly showing off her finger painting and Timothy shyly making friends with another boy flashed in my mind.

"We tell them the truth," Rick said, his gaze unwavering. "A softened version, of course. We tell them we need them to stay home for a few days to recover from a 'growth spurt.'"

A flicker of doubt crossed my face. "Growth spurt? Won't they question why it affects their school attendance?"

Rick chuckled, a dry humor lacing his voice. "They're five, Amanda. They'll probably buy it, esp