I stared at the screen, shaken by how easily an explanation I’d accepted as care had become recognizable as control.

PART 9

The first time I saw Willa again, I was carrying a paper bag of library books I’d selected with the help of a children’s librarian.

Elena had agreed to a short meeting at a park, with Rose nearby.

She said Willa knew I was an old friend of hers and that there were grown-up things we needed to discuss.

Willa came running across the grass holding Captain Buttons.