The island got real quiet after the boat left.
Kenji stood on the rocks for a long time. Didn't move. Just watched the water where we'd gone. I don't know what he was thinking. He didn't say.
Eventually he walked back to the hut. Three kids inside looked at him.
Leo said, "Is Father gone?"
"Yeah."
"When's he coming back?"
Kenji didn't have an answer. So he just said "When he can."
Leo nodded. Lars was at the window staring at the water. Maja's spot on the floor was empty.
Liv came in with cans. Set them on the table. "Eat."
Lars turned from the window. He looked at the cans. He didn't move.
Kenji looked at these kids. Just a few weeks ago, they were in tanks. Now they are here.
Later Kenji went to the beach. Leo was there throwing rocks at the water.
Kenji sat down. Pulled his
