Taking quick stock of Emma—the bandages on her hands and arms, a small one on her temple, the red scrapes on her cheek and her sober expression—gave rise once again to Kayla’s concerns that something was going on with her. Last night she’d texted her dad, updating him on Tug and Emma. But when she had finally heard back from him, it didn’t help matters.

Happy Tug came home, he’d replied.

Hope Emma recovers from her fall. Sorry, honey, busy here, got things happening. Love you.

Emma was dropping Kayla off at her school before heading to her own.

They didn’t say much to each other on the drive, glancing up as a news helicopter passed overhead toward the park.

Emma had the radio tuned to a soft rock station and was submerged in her thoughts, frequently checking the rearview and side mirrors.

Kayla was on her phone.

They were stopped at a red light when the radio station news began with a breaking story.

“A body has been discovered in Suntrail Sky Park. A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body was found this morning by a man walking his dog in the park. The park borders the communities of Cielo Valle, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo. No other details have been released.”

“Wow,” Kayla said. “That’s near our place. So that’s what all the action is about. Wonder what happened?”

She turned to Emma, who was staring straight ahead when she said, “It’s terrible.”

After the news, weather and sports, the station played “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. By the time the song ended, Emma had stopped in the drop-off area of Kayla’s school. Kayla didn’t move, her thoughts kept her seated before she turned to Emma and said: “How are you? I mean after that fall… Are you all right?”

“I’ll be okay.” She gave her a little smile.

“I saw you yesterday by the pool, crying.”

“Oh, I had a little pain from the fall.”

She took a moment. “No, that’s not it. I know you’re hiding something and it’s starting to freak me out.”

Emma looked at her. “Kayla, I’m not hiding anything. We’ve been over this and I understand why you have trouble accepting me, but we’re a family. Okay?”

Kayla pushed back her tears and nodded.

They let a moment pass and ended things with a hug.

“You’re going to be late,” Emma said. “I’ll pick you up later.”

“Thanks but I’ll get a ride or take the bus.”

Checking her mirrors, Emma said: “No, I’ll be leaving school early today. I’ll pick you up after your last class.”

“All right, whatever. Bye.”

Kayla got out, took a few steps toward the school doors before she stopped and watched Emma drive away.