After a little more gentle coaxing, Bianca watched Elaine slip into a deep, peaceful sleep.

She tiptoed out of the bedroom, closing the door silently, and walked into the living room.

“Sophia, I just don’t get it,” Bianca said, her brow creased. “Why is Elaine so attached to Michael? They haven’t spent much time together. Don’t you think it’s… strange?”

Sophia let out a gentle, knowing sigh and gave a small nod. “I don’t get it either,” she admitted, crossing her arms as if bracing against an unseen chill.

“Maybe she just wants a father’s love so badly it doesn’t matter who it comes from.” Her voice lowered, and a...