I Came Home With Our Newborn — And Found The Locks Changed

For a moment I thought I was using the wrong key. But when I looked closer, I realized the truth.

The locks had been replaced.

I stood there staring at the door like it might explain itself.

Richie’s car was parked in the driveway. The curtains were drawn. The house looked exactly the same as when I had left for the hospital.

Except I couldn’t get inside.

I knocked gently at first.

Then harder.

Finally I heard footsteps on the other side of the door.

“Richie?” I called. “The key isn’t working.”

Silence.

Then his voice came through the door, muffled and strange.