“It was an accident,” Selena said.
Her voice was calm, but her cheeks were still warm with embarrassment.
Ryan stood near the door, watching her closely. The moment downstairs kept replaying in his head falling, the twisted mat, the shocked silence, and his father’s furious expression.
Selena quickly looked away from him and stood up.
She brushed invisible dust from her clothes, trying to pretend nothing strange had happened.
Then she turned to Lily.
“Lily,” she said softly, her voice gentle again, “it’s time for bed.”
Lily was sitting on the edge of the bed hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. Her eyes moved from Ryan to Selena nervously.
Before Selena could move away, Lily stretched out her small hand.
“Did you pinky promise?” Lily asked quietly.
Selena stopped.
She knew exa
