“I’m sorry,” I said.
My voice cracked on the second word.
Lily’s eyes filled, but she held on. “Are you sending Mara away?”
“No.”
I answered too fast because I’d already seen what hesitation could do.
“No,” I said again, slower. “Mara stays if she wants to stay and if you want her here.”
June pulled back just enough to look at me. There was a red mark on her wrist. Finger-shaped. Precise. It might’ve faded within an hour, but I knew I’d see it longer than that.
“She said you liked her better,” June whispered.
The room tilted a little.
Mara crouched beside me. “Girls, go with Cal to the kitchen. Ms. Beverly is bringing hot chocolate.”
June refused to move until Mara promised to come too. Lily only moved when I promised the phone would stay with me.
After they left, I stood in the middle of the living room and looked at the mess. Towels on the floor. Book open facedown. The rabbit with one ear bent backward on the couch cushion.
