As Daniel’s car disappeared down the street, I sat at the kitchen table, clutching the note Dr. Harris had given me. My heart pounded in my chest as I unfolded the paper, revealing the seven words that changed everything: “Is Lily safe? Call me anytime. Dr. Harris.”
The quiet kitchen felt vast and empty, and I realized I was holding my breath. I needed to think clearly, but my mind was racing with questions and fears. What did Dr. Harris see that prompted him to write those words? All the things I had dismissed as growing pains and family adjustments stared back at me, demanding my attention.
I glanced at Lily’s bedroom door. The hallway seemed longer, filled with shadows of my own doubts. I needed to talk to her, but I didn’t want to scare her. Carefully, I knocked on her door.
