Altered Course

Elara fell silent for a moment before letting go. "No," she said, slipping her hand back toward her pocket.

But the lingering, old-fashioned powdery scent on Sophia's hand, cool and a little rough to the touch, made her stop. A disinfectant wipe was handed out from the car window.

Chloe watched in silence as Elara took it, her expression finally softening a little.

"Take them upstairs," Elara said