The basement is cold and musty. The floor is bare earth, but there are damp, discolored patches that I can’t think too hard about. The walls are concrete and scored with gouges and scratches. The only light in the room comes from a single, bare lightbulb that hangs from the center of the ceiling. There are no windows.

Bea is sitting close to Ezra’s side and hiding her face. I feel so terrible for bringing her here. I’m sitting near them with Karl’s head resting on my ...