A Lifelong Novel

“I don’t want to know,” she interrupted me. “And I don’t want to hear.” She shut her ears with her hands. “Please, don’t say anything.” And, barely audible: “Please.”

“What the hell is this?!”

“Alice, my little one, calm down.” I took her hands and lowered them—she never even lifted her gaze. “I will never hurt you.” The hummingbird sobbed. “But I have to explain myself, and it’s up to you whether you need it or not.”