utside an elite, ivy-covered private preparatory school. She turned off the engine, p

onto the sidewalk. The school's heavy wrought-iron gates were open, an

oak tree. Her eyes scanned the sea of blu

was walking slowly, his head down, kicking a dead leaf along th

solute softness. She raised her hand and calle

face lit up. He broke into a run, his backpack bounc

ing her arms tightly around his small frame. She squeezed h

aybach with tinted windows

s family, stepped out of the driver's seat. He walked aro

oor handle, his eyes dri

d froze

red at the woman crouching on the sidewalk. He looked at h

asped. The words tore from hi

ip. Her spine snapped straight. The s

eyes with Gus. The old man's face was pale, his

d his trembling hands, stammering that it

e took a step backward, physically positioning her body

voice made of absolute ice that there wa

ates. He wore the same navy-blue uniform. He stopped d

Then he looked at the bo

rowing defensively at Buddy. He grabbed a fistful of Kendal's trench coat and

fingers. She looked at Buddy. She saw the devastating hurt pooli

s ridiculous display and stated she wanted absolute

ring. He looked at the boy clinging to her coat. The tragic re

le looking at him with total indifference. His chest heav

aking shoulders. She grabbed Freddie's hand, turne

. He walked over and gently plac

g the old man and the crying boy standing on the curb. Her stomach ch