The gravel under Camille’s sneakers crunched louder than usual. Or maybe it was just her nerves messing with her head again. The air reeked of brine and damp leaves—like the ocean was holding its breath, waiting. Park lamps flickered above like they didn’t know whether to stay lit or give up entirely, throwing chopped shadows across the rusted swing set. Ellie’s laugh sliced through it all—too bright. Too… oblivious. It made Camille’s chest ache.
“Mommy, look!” Ellie shrieked mid-swing, her feet kicking out toward the sky like nothing in the world could break her. God. That laugh. Camille’s heart twisted, thudded unevenly. She tightened her grip on the jacket she’d flung over her arm, knuckles white. That photo from D.C.—the street fair, Ellie’s missing tooth, her eyes too wide, too visib
