Chapter Text
Lillian headed for the window.
She was so happy Josh had been born healthy, but his healthy set of lungs meant he was quite loud, loud enough that Adam had been happy to leave the house for work.
Lillian opened the window, hoping some fresh air might help sooth Josh. He'd been fed, he had a clean, diaper, he didn't want any of his toys-
Then she coughed- the fresh air she's been hoping for was accompanied by a fog- a strange, almost metallic tasting fog.
Lillian found herself collapsed to the floor, boneless, unable to move.
The door creaked open and at first Lillian was relived, thinking Adam had come- then she saw the face of the newcomer-
"Hey Josh," Alex said quietly, "I'm your brother."
As if he understand, Josh stopped crying. The two brothers stared at each other in apparent fascination.
Lillian tried to cry out, to welcome her oldest home, to ask where he had been, to ask if he was okay- but she couldn't speak anymore than she could move. And Alex hadn't even glanced in her direction. Like he wasn't even aware of her existence...
Alex came closer, and reached in and picked up Josh. "I've come to take you come home," he told him, gently. "You'll like it there Josh, promise." He tucked Josh against his chest, and carried him carefully out of the room.
By the time Lillian staggered to her feet and ran after them, they were long gone.