All I could do was sit on the edge of the bed, sobbing and holding Aunt Disa's hand. She was still unconscious, just exhausted, but seeing her look so worn and battered tore at my heart.

"What happened to you, Auntie?" I whispered desperately.

Dark thoughts crept in. If Aunt Disa was like this, what about Dad? After I disappeared, did Tracy and Benson treat my father horribly?

"Delilah?"

Elijah's voice startled me. I turned to see him standing in the doorway. He came in and patted my shoulder gently. "Let your aunt rest, Delilah."

Even though I didn't want to leave, I obeyed Elijah. We walked out of the...