Chapter 4

Dad rushed inside. "Emily."

He dropped to his knees and rolled my small body over. My arm flopped, and my head lolled to one side. My face had turned blue. Dog food crumbs clung to my mouth, and dark purple lividity marbled my skin.

Dad's hand froze in midair. He looked as if his soul had been ripped away as he stared at my blue face in disbelief.

"Emily?" he whispered.

He hoped I'd wake up, call him Dad, and throw myself into his arms. But I'd never wake up again.

I floated overhead and watched Dad's trembling hand hover…