deeper into the shadows

e. But her feet

oe onto a sofa. He arranged a pillow behind her back

gile. "I was so scared. When I fe

ed his sleeve. He

n murmured. "I won't let

strand of hair from her for

are of me. Remember the treehouse? I was terrifie

uched Julian's l

a thin silver chain. A small, tarnished loc

ftened further.

ward the crack in the

eyes

ed into a faint,

Her pain was not an acc

rned a

of her car. Her hands gripped th

private number. Once

ans

g, a click. But n

ophie? Oh, I'm sorry-Julian can't come to the ph

turned to ice

ets. So attentive. He's been holding my hand

Him.

voice, distant and di

oud enough for Sophie to

." Julian's voice was flat.

ne wen

ered to speak to her. She threw the phone onto

ghed-bitter, broken. She was carrying his c

nausea hit her. She stumbled rounding a corner, her shoulder brushing a tall v

ough her palm. Her bl

Watc

holding a small boy's hand. She glared at Sophie. "W

f up, but her arms trembled

ople think you own the world." The woman yanke

ainst her stomach. Pain lanced th

st hurt my baby, and you want my help?" She tugged t

hie with wide eyes. "

m." The woman d

in line of red welled up from a cut.

r feet. The room spun. She leaned against t

o one asked if

, one hand on the railing, t

n. But whose child was she watching now? Her

herself. And for the l