Page 8 - Demo

The next morning, she felt too scared tomeet her dad%u2019s eyes. He noticed hersilence.%u201cWhat%u2019s wrong, sweetheart?%u201d he askedover breakfast. %u201cYou%u2019re so quiet today.%u201d%u201cNothing,%u201d Ellie lied, pushing her foodaround her plate.Her dad reached over and gently touchedher hand. %u201cEllie, if something%u2019s botheringyou, you can tell me. You know that,right?%u201dShe hesitated. She wanted to ask aboutthe tools, about what he was doing in thebasement. But instead, another questionslipped out:%u201cDaddy%u2026 how long has Mommy beengone?%u201dHer dad%u2019s face softened, but his answersent a shiver down her spine. %u201cMom isalways near, Ellie. Just trust me, okay? Inever lie to you.%u201d7