Madelyn was sketching a memory of Mya from four years ago.

"Ms. Jent," Margaret said, "how about a break with some pudding?"

Without looking up, Madelyn replied, "Just leave it there."

Seeing Madelyn's concentration, Margaret closed the door, ensuring her privacy. Later, when dinner was ready, Margaret tried to alert Madelyn. But Madelyn responded briefly, indicating she was not ready. Margaret saw the untouched pudding and quietly removed it.

At 6:30 pm, Zach left work early. As the Rolls-Royce pulled in, its headlights danced across the windows. The tires crunched against the pavement. Zach, clearly tired, got out with Dalton under one arm, a damp spot on his striped shirt. Inside, the maid was getting the dishes ready to be reheated.

"Has Madelyn eaten?" Zach asked.

Caught off guard by Zach's voice, the maid almost dropped the dishes. "Mr. Jardin, Ms. Jent's been in her art studio since she came home. Margaret tried to call her down, but no luck. I'm just about to heat the din