“Life.”

We stopped beneath a maple. A red leaf landed on her sleeve, and she stared at it a moment, then smiled — a real smile, small and tired but real.

On the way back, Lena called. Sophie put it on speaker because her hands were shaking too much to hold the phone.

“Are you safe?” Lena demanded.

Sophie closed her eyes. “Good morning to you too.”

“Is he there?”