Crystal walks the perimeter of the park and sits on a bench. The crowd grows and strengthens. The collective buzz of something happening builds. She watches neighbors wave and chat like it’s just a casual gathering. Groups form then separate. Crystal ignores that outsider feeling—the one where she’s part of a community, but not included in what makes up the community. Friendships. Neighbors. PTA meetings. Bake sales. It’s what she recognized in Rebecca too—that they are different.

Some unruly children break free from their parents to climb the monkey bars and zip down slides. A few dads lose sight of their kids and bark out names. Mothers shift and whisper behind cupped palms. If there’s a kidnapper on the loose, then no one is immune, right? Speculation tumbles and ripples like a wave. Crystal adjusts her sunglasses and leans forward to pick up a book a little girl accidentally dropped.

“Here you go.”

The girl secures it to her chest and doesn’t say thank you. Stranger danger is in full effect, it seems. After glimpsing all the kids, she realizes she could have brought Savi, but she doesn’t want to expose her to anything else that could create a sense of anxiety.

“Long time no see,” Jess says behind her.

Crystal turns to wave. Jess’s brown, curly hair has caught the humidity and expanded. Her curvy figure looks perfect in her denim jumpsuit and Vans. Jess offers her a sincere smile. Baxter is in his carrier. Rob stands behind his wife, hands thrust into both pockets.

“Where’s Savi?” Jess asks.

“At home with the nanny.”

Jess sighs as she sits. “What a day, huh?”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Crystal says.

“Ladies.” Officer Toby approaches the bench, and Crystal inwardly groans. He garners a few looks and comments from the crowd, as he’s still in his police uniform. He shakes Rob’s hand and the two launch into light conversation. Jess leans in and runs her fingers through Baxter’s curls. “Is she here?”

Crystal knows she means Rebecca. “Not that I’ve seen, no.” Crystal takes another quick inventory of the playground. “Have you talked to her since this afternoon?”

“Won’t return my texts.”

Bodies crush and sway in the small space. If there was beer and a band, she could almost trick herself into believing this was some lovely summer concert and not a vigil for her friend’s missing son.

“Do you think she’ll come?” Jess asks.

“Of course she will.” The words are out of Crystal’s mouth before she can really think them through. Will she come? Would she come if she were in Bec’s position?