“Never did see Etras…” he said, his voice faint. “Sorry. Promised I’d—take you back.” “It’s all right,” she said. “Will you—take care of Lila? And the baby?” She nodded. “Don’t tell Lila—” “I won’t.” His hand trembled in hers. “Promise…?” She swallowed hard. “I promise.” He said nothing else. When she looked up, his eyes were unseeing, the dawn reflecting in the empty blue.
