We sat in the car for a while, the silence thick between us. I leaned back in my seat, my mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. I couldn’t step out into the world without people noticing, without cameras flashing or videos being taken. Starting over or returning to Canada seemed impossible now.

“Looking for Ivan feels impossible,” I said softly, frustration seeping into my voice. “I don’t even know where to begin. I can only hope he comes back to me.”

Brenda gave me a reassuring smile, her voice steady. “He will, V. I believe he will.”

She always tried to find the light in the darkest...