He hung the clipboard on the end of my bed.

“I want you to stay here tonight for observation.”

“Please,” I said. “The boys will be confused if I am not there.”

“Ruth is with them,” Dr. Shah said. “They are in good hands.”

He gave me a reassuring nod and walked out of the room.

The room grew colder as the afternoon faded into twilight.

I watched the shadows stretch across the beige vinyl floor.

My thoughts kept drifting back to the boys, Lucas and Owen.

I remembered the way Lucas held my finger when he was frightened of the thunder.

I remembered Owen’s small, warm hand in mine as we walked through the garden.

They did not know who I really was.

They only knew me as Claire, the quiet woman who made their oatmeal and folded their shirts.

If Daniel found the letters, everything would change.

The door to my room swung open.

I flinched, pulling the white blanket up to my chin.

Daniel stood in the doorway.

His dark hair was wet from the rain, clinging to his forehead.