In the Shadow of Lakecrest

by Elizabeth Blackwell

Lakecrest and I had come to a truce, that my feelings had dulled with time. Maybe I still hated it—more than I’d ever admit. I made my way slowly down the hall, avoiding the squeakiest floorboards. I peeked into Stella’s room, which was dimly illuminated by a night-light in the shape of a twirling

I’d laid down the rules many times: boys don’t share rooms with their sisters. But he was afraid of the dark, and Stella was always the one he turned to for comfort. His defender. That very afternoon, at the beach, I’d heard them giggling and whispering. When I asked what they were talking about, they refused to tell me. Keeping secrets already. If I picked up Robbie and moved him back to his room, he’d only wake up

weakness passed from one generation of Lemonts to the next, a pattern I was determined to break. I’d sacrificed everything for my children. Done terrible things to protect them. If Lakecrest was invading my dreams, maybe it was because I still hadn’t made peace with what I’d done here. I don’t believe in ghosts—not anymore. But I’ve seen how a house can be haunted by its past. I looked at Robbie and Stella, at their perfect, beautiful