Cast Out, Then Called Back

. Ethan' s jaw was tight, his eyes narrowed

han asked, as if he ha

, shaking his head. "She'll agree now and then make

upposed to know me better than anyone in the w

s just a room. Lily needs it m

the surface, boiled over. He slammed his hand down

ng the victim! We know you

rtyr performance designed to make them feel guilt

me," Lily whimpered,

is arms, his voice dropping to a gentle coo. "It's okay

em looked like a perfect, self-contained family unit. I

e, that it solidified my decision. Th

ck to the dorm," I sa

t looking at me, his atte

voice begin a story for Lily, the same story he used to tell me when I was scared of the dark.

ands in theirs and promised they would always b

ople who had promised to keep them away. A bitter, cold anger surg

tration office and signed the final papers for the research program. Th

arah, watched

this, Anna? They can

I said, my voice flat as I f

said, her voice laced with indignation. "I can't

ll, tired smile on my lips.