Alice was nine and had a habit of checking that every door was locked before bed.

Emma, only four, still wanted a story read twice if her favorite part came too soon.

They had been in the house when the attack began.

I didn’t yet know what they had heard.

Carter set a small card on the bedside table.

“My number is here.

If you remember something later, call.

If you don’t remember, don’t try to force it.