KATE sat curled up on the couch, her arms wrapped around her knees as the phone rang. The room was quiet except for the distant tick of the big wall clock and the low buzzing in her chest from days of anxiety. Finally, the call connected.

“Hello, Uncle,” she said, trying to steady her voice. “Good evening.”

“Katie,” came his deep voice, wearied and slow. “How are you holding up?”

She gave a half-hearted chuckle.

“I’m managing… I guess.”

There was a moment of silence before he sighed heavily.

“I wish I had better news.”

Kate sat up straighter.

“Uncle? What is wrong?”

“I have spoken to everyone I could,”...