Armstr

ghtly colored plastic pony, a half-melted chocolate bar, and a single, wilted daisy. Lily'

rs trembling slightly as I laid them down. Then, I knelt, pulling at the persis

pered, my voice rough, s

ing into my knees. My scarred right hand reached out, brushing

d out, the words catching in m

dry grass, a mournful whisper. I tried to smile, a shaky,

f music from the bag. It was a sim

ispered, my voice thick with unshed tears. "I know

r the imaginary keys. I pressed down, my fingers going t

w. I managed a few measures, my left hand mimicking the bass line, but then a sharp, se

ad. "Mommy' s hand hurts, sweeti

outweighing the physical ache. Hot tears, thick and heavy, dripped fro

ngtone ripping through the quiet sorrow. I startled, pulling

ce still hoarse wi

auto shop will be nothing but scrap metal by morning." Carter's voice, cold a

" I rasped, my voic

ays get what I want. Don't test my patience, Ellie. I' m offering you a chance to rejoi

hun

vision blurred by tears. I reached out ag

fresh wave of tears choking me. "Don't you worry, though. Mommy will make