Later that evening, when darkness had began settling over the sky like a heavy blanket, Derek stood at the panoramic window in his study, looking out at the deck.
Kira was out there on the open deck, sitting all by herself. Her legs were tucked beneath her, and she clutched that oversized, ridiculous teddy bear that he took great pleasure in despising. She was squeezing it like the thing was her only friend in the world.
The wind was blowing her hair all over the place, lifting strands across her face, before letting them fall again. She did not brush them away or try to move. Just sat there, quiet in a way that felt wrong on her.
He didn't know what to do with her. Ever since she got back that afternoon, she hadn't said a word beyond that flat "Good afternoon, Derek." She hadn't eaten anything, either. It was driving him crazy.
