A woman in uniform came around the porch.

She stopped when she saw me.

I watched her take in the yard, the dirt, the bare patch of ground surrounding my shoulders, and the way I was struggling to hold my head upright.

Her face tightened, but her voice stayed calm.

“I’m Deputy Ellis. What’s your name?”

I told her.

It came out so quietly that she had to lean closer.

She repeated it gently.