The next Christmas Eve arrived clear and cold.

Snow remained in pale piles along the roadside, and the same diner displayed the same paper snowflakes, though some had been replaced by brighter new ones.

Nathaniel arrived first.

He chose a booth near the back window, not because he was hiding, but because it was where everything had begun.

Hannah entered with Sophie a few minutes later.

Both wore warm coats.

Sophie had grown taller and was missing a front tooth.