With my heart racing and my throat beating, I returned to Michael's cabin. Edwin's remarks were like loose stones floating around inside of me.

Michael alone is aware of the issue.

I can't assist him if he won't talk.

He could become uncontrollable.

Before the terror overtook me, I suppressed it.

When I opened the cabin's doors, they made a soft squeak. Michael was kneeling at the foot of the bed, his head lowered. When I entered, he looked up right away.

"Matilda," he murmured. ...