HIS NEIGHBOR WOULDN’T STOP REPORTING THE SOUND OF A GIRL CRYING INSIDE HIS HOUSE—THEN HE HID BENEATH HIS DAUGHTER’S BED AND HEARD HER PLEAD FOR SOMEONE TO SPARE HER

Thomas bent forward like the words had physically hit him.

“No, baby.”

“You looked mad.”

“I am.” His voice broke. “But not at you.”

She stared at the floor. “I skipped school.”

“I know.”