“They’ll never threaten your position,” Victor had promised her that night, “And Evelyn will fall in line.” She’s already threatening my position, Amelia had thought, but she hadn’t said a word of it. “Bring them over, let me meet them,” Amelia had said, after hours of fighting. “After all, if they

Ian begins, as usual. “They were just so horrible about you, mama,” he says. Alvin sniffs, trying to be brave. “They kept saying you were – you were a prota- prostatute,” he says, pronouncing the word wrong, but getting his meaning across anyway. “They say you have a thousand boyfriends,” Ian goes

“Are you having a good time?” Victor asks, leaning close. Amelia smiles up at him and nods enthusiastically. For the first time in weeks, it’s not a lie. “Where are the boys?” Victor asks, looking around for them. Amelia dances to the music, swinging her hips and laughing. She waves vaguely towar

Victor blinks at him for a moment – I’m not sure he even knew he was humming. He laughs softly and says, “thank you. My grandmother used to sing it to me when I was little, and when I was scared. Do you know?” He says, beginning to rinse the suds from Ian’s hair. “When I was a boy, I was very afraid

“I didn’t, Victor!” She pleads, closing the gap between them and wrapping her arms around his waist, placing her head against his chest where his shirt collects her tears. “I’m just as confused as you are! I have no idea what happened, what’s happening!” Victor softens after a moment, putting a han