Not that it mattered to me anymore . How he dealt with Selena was no longer my concern . I glanced at my phone . There was still a connection to the home surveillance system . I opened it one last time to wipe the memory and prepare to uninstall the app . Before doing that , I downloaded the old videos stored in the cloud - clips of our daughter , I wanted to keep those . While scrolling , the real - time feed blinked on by accident . Nate had come home . He was drunk and staggering . His steps were uncertain . " Christine , " he called out , voice echoing through the empty house . " My stomach hurts . Make me some soup . " He shouted my name again , louder this time . But no answer came . He walked through the house . Room by room . They were empty . And finally , it seemed to hit him - we were gone . I'd taken our daughter and left . He made his way to the dining table and poured himself a glass of water . Then froze . His hand reached out and picked up a cartoon - print cup I used to drink from . He stared at it for a long time … then , strangely , he smiled . It was a soft , indulgent smile , like a reflex from some warm memory . I frowned . That smile - was he losing it ? Then he pulled out his phone and called me . I didn't pick up . A moment later , a message came through . He thought I was still angry . His words were sweetened and careful [ Where are you and our daughter staying ? I'll come see you both tomorrow . I'll bring your favorite food . ] I blocked him . From the screen , I saw his face darken . Smash ! The cup hit the floor , shattering into sharp little pieces . He must've seen he'd been blocked , that I'd removed him as a contact . Then , as if struck by sudden clarity , he called Sam and put it on speaker . When the call connected , he asked without preamble , " Why didn't Christine join the last livestream ? " Sam was clearly groggy - he'd already been asleep . Woken abruptly , his voice came out slow and confused . " Speak , " Nate barked , raising his voice . This time , Sam snapped awake . " She resigned . She handed in her resignation a while ago . " Nate's eyes went wide , stunned . " She … resigned ? "