Mara’s fingers hovered over the keyboard.
“Okay, Lily. I’m Mara. I’m listening.”
Another pause, then shaky words that landed heavy in Mara’s chest.
“He said I don’t need pajamas tonight.”
The sentence wasn’t dramatic. That was what made it wrong.
Mara kept her voice calm. “Who said that, Lily?”
“My mom’s boyfriend. Eric.”
“And where is your mom right now?”
“She’s at work. She won’t be home till morning.”
Mara flagged the call as a possible child-endangerment situation while continuing to speak.
“Are you home right now?”
“Yes.”
“Are you alone with Eric?”
“Yes.”
Mara leaned forward. “Lily, are you somewhere he can’t hear you?”
“I’m in my closet,” Lily whispered. “I’m being very quiet.”
“You’re doing the right thing,” Mara said softly. “I’m proud of you for calling.”
Lily continued in fragments. She’d asked for her moon-print pajamas. Eric got angry. He said she didn’t need them. Then he changed her bed.
“How did he change it?” Mara asked.
“I don’t know,” Lily said. “I just know it’s different. And he locked my door.”
“From the outside?”
“Yes.”
Mara closed her eyes for a second, then reopened them. “Help is on the way. Stay with me.”