Broken Antler Fen Women like hunting witches, too

Penn's presented explanation was a lot brighter than what Ibis had going through her mind. Maybe it was true. Arielle was always the more reserved of the girls but perhaps this new home had brought something out of her that Ibis failed to notice; drawing her away from home was a detrimental side-effect of that, but it would mean she was alive somewhere. Ibis clung desperately to this fickle hope.

Almost a week, Ibis realized with a sinking feeling in her gut again. She had not thought about the span of time all that much, filling her mind instead with horrible images of what-if scenarios, each one worse than the last.

Drawing a heavy breath in, Ibis holds it and then slowly exhales. One of many habits formed to keep her calm and steady, short as it was to last. My husband has gone to look for her, and we have sent out word to other families. I have to think she is somewhere being cared for. But it was difficult, given Ibis' track record of loss.