ove. Something heavy pressed down on h

ays came before the worst part. Lucy's tiny legs dangled as the woman carried her, barefoot, throug

five. She didn't even

is wrists had red marks. He looked up when Lucy entered, and for a moment, she f

ropped her

rocking in a chair nearby. "No more runn

liah were, but she guessed the w

whispered to the boy wh

s voice was hoarse. "

wards her. It was half-squa

s strong," he added.

g hands, blinking back t

he repli

ach other their names

#

gh to hear. Her neck was sticky with sweat. Her b

her

y... they were getting clearer. Stronger. She could rememb

as the first light of morning crept in. A bird chi

had

#

, her eyes puffy from lack of sleep. She hadn't even brushed her hair properly. She dropped

ix!" Jun

g a tray with two cups of steam

ping closer. "You okay

Didn't sl

never

her foot caught the edge of a mop bucket someone had left out. The tray

umping up. "W

y!" Lucy gasped,

fuming. "Are you drunk?

..

quickly. "Sir, your tea is on the house.

y, cheeks burnin

unter and handed her a bottle o

"The dreams are getting worse.

. the arrest. I know it's a lot.

try

ake a break before

s already

up, arms crossed. His sharp eyes

r's daughter," he said. Lou

t fair. Her dad's case has

First your father robs the city blind, now you're spilling

d nothing, and walked away b

#

urtains were still closed, and the fan buzzed in

she c

ans

she stepped inside. Th

um

she s

outstretched like she was reaching for something. A gla

med, rushing to h

gently, then h

ed an ambulance. The ride to the hospital was a blur. T

came out, hold

softly. "She was gon

ld, blank, not cry

rested. Her dreams turning into mem

er mother

asleep curled up on the c

e echoed

be strong,yo

was she going to handle t

r was gon