The knock echoed through the heavy oak door like a heartbeat. Too loud. Too final. The kind of sound that can't be taken back.

A long silence stretched. April fussed softly, turning her face into the crook of your neck. You bounced her gently, the way you always did when she was restless. Her small fingers curled around the collar of your coat.

Then—footsteps. Slow. Measured. Pausing on the other side of the door.

The lock clicked. The door swung inward.