“We colored a picture at the kitchen counter together.”

“And then you left her alone,” Daniel said.

“I went to switch the laundry,” I said.

“I was gone for three minutes.”

The elevator doors parted at the far end of the corridor.

Patricia stepped out, her low heels striking the linoleum in a quick, heavy rhythm.

She wore a thick wool coat over a silk blouse and rushed straight toward Daniel.

She walked right past me without turning her head or acknowledging I was there.