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 continued, “But I am here now. I believe you now. And I am not leaving you alone with this again.”

For the first time that day, Lucia leaned toward him.

He held her while she cried until her body finally ran out of strength.

That night, Thomas did not sleep.