Chapter 1: The Name She Shouldnât Know
The man didnât take the photo right away.
His hand hovered in the air between them, trembling just slightly, like he was afraid touching it would make everything real.
âWhatâs your name?â he asked, his voice lower now.
The girl tilted her head a little, studying him with a strange calm.
âLily.â
His breath caught.
That had been her favorite name.
Not his wifeâsâbut the name they had chosen for the daughter they never had.
He swallowed hard. âWhereâs your mom, Lily?â
She pointed down the street without hesitation.
âAt home. Sheâs waiting for me.â
The manâs chest tightened. âCan you show me?â
Lily stood, brushing dust from her hoodie, then reached out and took his hand.
It wasnât a childâs uncertain grip.
It was familiar.
Comforting.
May you like
Like she had done it before.
And against every rational thought screaming in his head, he let her lead.
