The floor seemed to drop out from under me.

I did not know this woman.

I had no reason on earth to believe her.

And yet everything in me, some animal part that had been holding its breath for five years, went very still and very certain, the way you go still when you finally hear a name for a fear you have been carrying without words.

Devon appeared a few minutes later in his tailored navy suit, carrying a bag of food.

He kissed my forehead, handed me a dry salad with no dressing, and asked whether I’d had enough water.