Dorothea was curled up on the sofa, her forehead bandage freshly changed. The rabbit lay across her lap, its ears being folded back and forth by her restless fingers. The television was on, the cartoon's volume dipped to a whisper. Outside, the winter mist pressed against the windows, muffling the world beyond the villa's walls. The gray light that seeped through made the spacious living room feel smaller, more oppressive.
Avery brought a bowl of strawberries from the kitchen. Dorothea spared them a glance but didn't reach out.
"Mommy."
"Mm."
"Where's Uncle?"
Dorothea lowered her head, tucking the rabbit's ear beneath the edge of her own bandage, as if trying to patch the toy up as well.
"He's busy," Avery said softly.
Avery sat cross-legged on the sofa, her gaze landing on the stra
