They nudged one another closer when someone looked left out.
They shared in a way that went beyond instinct.
These kids were wild and loyal all at once.
Amayah watched them with a tight ache in her chest.
When the last bowl had been scraped clean and the kids’ energy had fizzled into contented quiet, Eli stood and clapped his hands. “Okay, let’s go before Ms. Door Lady changes her mind and makes us eat vegetables for dessert.”
Groans followed, but they obeyed.
As they bundled up, Maisie slipped away from the group and ran back to Amayah. Her tiny arms wrapped around Amayah’s waist with surprising strength. “Thank you for the food.”
“You’re welcome.”
Then Maisie moved to hug Luke as well.
As she did, Clara stepped closer and motioned for Amayah to lean toward her.
Amayah bent down.
“Don’t let them make us go away,” Clara whispered.
The words froze Amayah to the core.
Clara pulled back, eyes wide and solemn for someone so young.
“We’re being real good,” she added, as if that explained everything.
“Clara!” Eli called. “C’mon! We’ve got to go.”
In a blink, the kids were gone—boots pounding down the steps, a blur of scarves and mismatched gloves disappearing into the cold night.
Amayah didn’t move.
Luke stepped closer. “What did she say?”
Her voice came out soft. Uneasy. Certain. “I think something is wrong at their house. Really wrong.”
CHAPTER 24
Luke’s humor faded.
“What do you mean?”
Amayah stared at the closed front door as if willing it to reveal answers. “I haven’t seen their mom in a while.”
“How often do you usually see her?”
“Not often,” she admitted. “But she used to stop by at least once a week, mostly just to complain.”
“About you?” He couldn’t keep the incredulous tone from his voice. “What could she possibly complain about?”
Amayah gave a tired little huff of amusement. “That my porch light is too bright. That my snow shovel scratched the shared sidewalk line. That my Christmas music was too cheerful. That I made her kids feel bad by being ‘too nice’.”
Luke blinked. “You’re kidding.”
“I wish.”
