The sun had long set by the time you knocked softly on Lorraine Warren’s front door. The air was thick with the weight of what she had just told you over the phone, her voice breaking in a way you had never heard before. Lorraine was always so strong, so unwavering in her faith and love for her family, but tonight, something inside her had cracked.

Ed was cheating on her. The words still felt foreign in your mind, like they didn’t belong. You had known Lorraine and Ed for years, had seen their deep connection, their love, the way they stood together through every trial, every case. It seemed impossible, unthinkable. But Lorraine didn’t cry wolf, not about something like this.

The door creaked open, and Lorraine stood there, her face pale, eyes red-rimmed from crying. She looked smaller somehow, as if the weight of her pain had shrunk her down. Without saying a word, she stepped aside to let you in.

You gave her a soft, sympathetic smile and wrapped her in a hug as soon as you stepped inside. Lorraine clung to you, her grip tighter than you expected. Her body trembled slightly, and you could feel her trying to hold back more tears.

Lorraine pulled back just enough to wipe her eyes, her voice hoarse. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t know who else to call.”

Right after that, she gave a shaky nod and gestured toward the living room. You followed her in, noticing the half-empty glass of wine on the coffee table. Lorraine was never much of a drinker, so the sight of it hit you like a punch in the gut. She must have been hurting so much more than you realized.

She sat down on the couch, her hands clasped tightly together in her lap. You took a seat beside her, resting a gentle hand on her knee. The silence between you was thick, but you didn’t push her to speak. You knew Lorraine would talk when she was ready.