Patricia approached slowly. “What did I tell you about sitting here?” she snapped – mynraa

Then June cried.

It wasn’t loud. That made it worse. It sounded like something small finally breaking after being bent too long.

I knelt in front of both girls and felt the distance I’d built the second I got close. Not physical distance. The kind that comes when children stop believing the truth is safe with you.

“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.