At 2 P.M., I Walked Into My Parents’ Backyard Expecting To Pick Up My 8-

curled into my side. As I wrapped my arm around her, I felt her little heartbeat against my ribs—fast, then slowing as she relaxed.

And suddenly the image of her kneeling in that empty pool flashed behind my eyes: her small body, her trembling hands, her cracked voice saying she almost finished scrubbing.

My throat tightened so abruptly I had to turn continue reading …