The therapist asked what safety felt like in her body.

Blaire said, “A shoulder that does not move.” They both let the sentence exist without turning it into a slogan.

David completed the money part of the order in ugly pieces.

He sent one handwritten note that Rachel photocopied and filed.

The note said Blaire had become cold.

Blaire, reading the copy, said, “Cold is what he calls a woman who will not reopen a lock.” Rachel did not answer.