The Family Across the Street by Nicole Trope

37

Logan

The kitchen is empty; a white marble countertop gleams in the afternoon sun. Shiny black cabinets sit below the counter and stark white ones above. A black-and-white checkerboard floor of tiles adds to what should be a magazine-perfect look but there are too many things out of place for a magazine. The sink is filled with dirty dishes. A trail of ants marches along the countertop that is covered in cracker boxes and half-eaten pieces of fruit, on which fruit flies converge and gorge themselves. Disinfectant wipes lie unopened next to the mess. He glances at the large fridge, which is covered in photos and children’s drawings held up by animal magnets.

He takes a step forward, hears a crunch under his foot and silently curses as he looks down to see a spilled bag of crisps. He knows that this is not how this kitchen usually looks. He takes a deep breath and steps around the crisps, looking down, his feet careful as he listens for movement in the house.