Rick pov

Rick did not feel small when the Circle turned toward him. He felt quiet. The space around him was empty in a way that made his thoughts louder. There was no ground, no walls, no sky. Just presence. Heavy. Watching. Waiting. He stood between his parents, but he could feel that this part was his alone.

“Rick,” the Circle said.

It did not sound unkind. It did not sound gentle either.

He lifted his head.

“Yes,” he answered.

“You are aware of where you stand,” the Circle ...