The van moved slowly. That’s what made it even worse. It went about its business without a hitch, like it was following orders, calm and collected - a somber march for a life unfinished.

She and Sophia had been inventoried and boxed.

Sophia’s crying stopped, replaced by shaky, wet hiccups. The baby in Eva’s arms felt totally worn out from all the screaming. Eva killed it because not killing it felt like quitting. The tears on her face dried fast, making her skin rough.

On the other side, ...