I WOKE UP FROM A COMA AND HEARD MY SON WHISPER, “DON’T OPEN YOUR EYES”… MY HUSBAND AND MY OWN SISTER WERE WAITING FOR ME TO DIE SO THEY COULD TAKE EVERYTHING

Nine years old.

And somehow braver than every adult in the room.

Claire crossed her arms.

“This is ridiculous. Emily is unconscious.”

“Actually,” Ms. Parker said, opening a folder, “her condition has improved significantly in the last twelve hours.”

Ryan swallowed.

I couldn’t see him, but I could hear it.

Fear.

Pure fear.

One detective stepped forward.