Then she dropped it back into the box, and when he came downstairs, we watched him find the note and smile.

The message was just one word: Always.

They wore their love like some people wear designer brands. They advertised it with every look, every whisper, every secret smile. People used to say they were made for each other, and Mom would grin and say they were made for me.

The bottom falls out of my world every time I think that.

Sometimes I imagine my life if Mom was the one left behind, and I feel guilty because I know things would be different.

She wouldn’t have broken down like Dad did. She would have fought through her pain and lived on.

Chapter 8

When they arrive, I lead Adrian and his colleague into the living room and pray that Dad hasn’t changed his mind.

“Mr. Simmons,” Adrian says, holding out his hand.

Dad takes it like a robot, does the same with the girl, and then looks at me.

“So,” I say, “where do we sign?”

Adrian laughs. “Someone’s eager!” Then he says, “You’re very brave for doing this.”

I’m not sure who he’s talking to, so I smile, and Dad does his best impression of happy.

Adrian says, “This is a wonderful setting.” He’s walking around the living room, going over to touch things, then stopping at the last minute, nodding to himself, and pointing at random places.

The girl must know why, because whenever he points, she writes something on her iPad.

“This is my assistant, Lauren,” Adrian says.

She looks about my age, and when she rolls her eyes, I smile and imagine her being Adrian’s boss one day.

He has a slap-worthy grin on his face, and he’s treating our living room like a movie set, but that’s a small sacrifice if it means finding the Magpie Man.

When we sit down, I grip my hands together in my lap, hoping no one sees them shaking.

“We’re here to explain the process,” Adrian says, “and to ensure you’re fully aware of the…all-encompassing nature of the show.

“This is about five young adults who have experienced something extraordinary. People with stories to tell. It’s the first reality show of its kind truly for the online generation. The camera crew will start filming before Jessica wakes up. At least that’s what the audience will think. We’ll stage that part. Unless you’re a heavy sleeper. There will also be a highlights package, available the following day. We’ll edit Jessica’s best moments and post sixty-minute videos on her channel every Tuesday morning.”

Dad looks at me and says, “You agreed to this?”

I nod and think back to our conversation last night. He listened to what I had to say. He sat in silence as I explained why this could help us find answers.