I think of Ursula glowing on stage. I see her poor scraped-up knees and I hesitate. Lord, she's the sweetest thing on this planet. I'm not good enough for this gift. I'm not worthy. My brother knows it. My father knew it. Ursula will know someday soon. I'm a man who battles the sea and comes home with torn-up hands and dirty jokes. Keeping her innocent is the one thing I can give her. Not taking this one thing might keep my guilt and self-disgust from sucking me under.

"Uncle Cain..." Ursula whispers, going up on her toes and wrapping her arms around my neck. "I hurt."

My body moves...