Emily, half-asleep, whispered while he tucked her in. “He told me not to worry… he fixes things when they’re broken.” She clutched her bear tighter. Michael forced a smile, heart racing. Who was “he”? This did not seem to be an imaginary friend as Sarah insisted. He kissed her forehead, but her words looped through his mind like a haunting refrain.
At the grocery store, the clerk greeted Sarah with a warm smile, then blinked at Michael in surprise. “Oh—you’re back. Usually, he picks these up.” Sarah’s cheeks flushed, her laugh brittle. Michael said nothing, though his grip tightened on the bags. Sarah explained to him, “Our neighbors used to help in your absence.” Again, this neighbor remained unnamed.