Morning light poured into the room as Adela stirred awake. The clock on the bedside table read a little after ten. She yawned, stretching, but froze when she realized the space next to her was empty.
Herbie wasn’t there.
Panic set in instantly, and Adela’s voice came out in a frantic cry, “Herbie! Where are you?”
“Here, sister!”
Herbie’s small voice called out as she walked into the room, a piece of bread in her hand. Adela exhaled sharply, relief washing over her like a wave.
“Herbie, where did you get that bread?” Adela asked as she moved to pull her little sister close, inspecting her carefully.
“The man from yesterday brought it over,” Herbie replied, her face lighting up with innocence.
Adela paused, confused for a moment. She assumed Herbie meant Layson, though she didn’t real
