Sophie clung to me, her little hands gripping my shirt as if she feared I might disappear again. I couldn’t blame her. The thought of what she’d endured while I was away tore at my soul, each imagined moment more unbearable than the last.

“Where were you, Megan?” I demanded, my gaze shifting to my wife. Her face was a mask of pain and regret, but it was too late for tears. “How could you let this happen?”

Megan’s voice was barely a whisper. “I didn’t know, I swear. Eric said it was just… temporary. I was working late…”