Chapter 5

The phone rang just as Diana finished bandaging Lily’s hands, the sharp trill cutting through the quiet of the house. She glanced at the clock midmorning, the sun barely cresting the trees outside. Lily sat on the couch, flipping through a picture book, her small fingers careful around the fresh bandages. Diana wiped her hands on a towel and picked up the receiver, her voice steady despite the exhaustion weighing her down. “Hello?” “Diana, it’s Claire.” Ryan’s mother’s tone was brisk, as always, but there was a warmth beneath it when she added, “I’d like to see Lily today.” “It’s been too long.” Diana hesitated, glancing at her daughter. After yesterday’s disaster at the amusement park, she wasn’t sure she wanted to face anyone, let alone Claire. But Lily loved her grandmother, and the distraction might do her good. “We’ll be there this afternoon,” she said finally. “Good. See you then.” Claire hung up without another word, leaving Diana staring at the phone. She turned t