« It’s a lady. »
« A ladybug. »
« No. Her name is Lady. »
I crouched beside her. « Lady still needs air. »
She handed me the box.
« Can you make holes? »
That was how it started.
A week later, Melissa knocked on my door before sunrise. She wore a diner uniform and looked like she had not slept in days.
« I’m sorry, » she said. « I know this is a strange thing to ask. »
Sophie stood behind her in purple pajamas, holding a stuffed rabbit by one ear.