And still I lay awake afraid, because that is what an accusation does even when it is false: it makes you understand, for the first time, how thin the thread is that holds up your entire life, and how easily a frightened man can take a pair of scissors to it.

Chapter 8 — The Man on the Porch

On the fourth day, Fabian came to Romina’s door holding a stuffed bear and a bag of takeout, looking like he hadn’t slept since the delivery.

“Matthias blocked my number,” he said through the screen.

“What happened?

Is the baby okay?” I couldn’t meet his eyes.