SEN

civil. I handed over my keys and access cards, meeting Cry

to claim their prize. I could almost taste their future confusion when they d

day of my new life, and to soothe Zoe after yester

e touched Zoe's lips. She tugged my hand, pointing a small finge

he even leaned her head against my arm

I knew every fig

I watched as Zoe stood hesitantly at the edge of

ink dress held out a

. I gave her an

tle girl's hand and let herself be pulled

selective mutism began that she had voluntarily

lled out my phone, needin

on Zoe, a figure in the

ma

ball cap pulled low. He wasn't on his phone or talking to anyone. He was just s

uition told me he wasn't

watch

inging. Was he a private investig

an athlete hidden beneath his loose clothing. There was a coldness t

im, handing him a bottle of water. The man in the suit seemed to notice my atten

split second, his gaze, hidden in the shad

apher's or menacing like a PI's. They were deep,

a strange, unf

ing to watch Zoe, but my perip

er learn) take a call. Then the tall man (Elias) turn

realize I was hold

ranoid. After everything that had happened, it

She was trying to climb to a higher platf

er. About this ra

lingered, a stone dropped into the placid water of