“I need to practice speaking,” I said.

“I have to give a statement to Gary, and I want to make sure my voice stays steady.”

Lily picked up the recorder and handed it up to me.

“You just talk into the little holes on top.

It picks up everything, even if you whisper.”

I held the small gray box in my lap.

The plastic felt light, but the reels inside turned with a quiet click as I pushed down the red button with my thumb.

“My name is Ronnie,” I said into the plastic grille.