“Margaret,” he said, rising from the sofa and walking toward me with his arms slightly open.

“Where have you been?

I was out looking for you all afternoon.”

I dropped my gaze to the floor, letting my shoulders round and sink.

I dragged my feet as I walked into the middle of the room.

“I got lost again, Daniel,” I whispered, keeping my voice thin and flat.

Daniel reached me and took hold of my upper arms.

He rubbed his thumb over his wedding ring as he looked down into my face, his expression full of gentle concern.