DINNER was warm that evening, warm in the glow of the overhead lights and warm in the way voices and laughter filled the dining room. Orlanda sat a little straighter at the long wooden table, trying not to let her eyes dart around too much at the pictures on the walls and the smell of fried chicken mixing with fresh vegetables. For the first time in a long time, she felt a faint whisper of what safety might feel like.

The chairs scraped softly as everyone gathered. Winifred made a proud sweep of her arm as she began the introductions.

“Okay, everybody, meet my best friend in the whole wide...