“Julia!” Lily’s voice broke the silence before Atlas could speak.

I walked past him and crouched in front of her, grateful for the attention shift. “Hi, baby!” I said, wrapping my arms around her.

“Leo and I wan’ show you something, up!”

My nose scrunched up and I glanced at the ceiling. “Not there, silly!” she giggled. “Up! Up! Come!”

She took my wrist before I could speak and I stumbled after the little girl. Despite her cheerfulness, my mind ...