Dawn broke, and Zach, despite a sleepless night, emerged from the bathroom full of energy. He picked a black floral shirt from his wardrobe, one that Madelyn had chosen for him.

Initially, Zach had resisted wearing such a flashy shirt, but gradually he found himself wearing it nearly every day, alternating with another of Madelyn's selections.

Madelyn had been restless since six in the morning, a sense of unease nudging her to check on Dalton. She found his forehead feverish to the touch. Than