Fondled Stories

Earl and Hank left without another word, the door slamming behind them. Lila remained motionless on the bed, listening to their receding footsteps and the rumble of the tow truck starting up. Only when she heard them drive away did she allow herself to curl into a fetal position, her body trembling with the weight of exhaustion and the bitter sting of shame. Dale waited several minutes after Earl’s truck drove off before...