Arthur caught the shake of her head and jumped on it. “Is there anyone that pops into your mind?” he asked carefully.

Ashley’s face scrunched up in confusion. “What do you mean, someone popping into my mind? I was just trying to push away weird thoughts. I don’t have anyone in mind,” she shot back.

Arthur let out a long sigh, his eyes darting left and right like he was weighing whether to spill the truth or bury it forever.

“Arthur, you can’t dodge me anymore. Just say ...