“Show them, Aurora,” I said, kneeling beside her.

“You don’t have to protect her anymore.

You’re safe now.” Slowly, she drew back the sleeve of her sweater.

Chapter 15 — Old and New

Her arms told a story in layers — faded yellow bruises beneath newer marks, healing beneath fresh, an archive of a year written on her skin.

The paramedic asked, quietly, how a particular injury near her wrist had happened.