Content Warning: This book contains mentions and descriptions of mental illness, abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, and the loss of children.

It has been 12 days since eight-year-old Clara Jordon’s sister, Rose, ran away from home. It is not the first time that 16-year-old Rose has run away, but she always returns within a couple of days. This time, following a fight with their mother, Diane, Rose promises she won’t return, though she reassures Clara she will be fine and will send her a message.

When this doesn’t happen by the second week, both Clara and her parents grow more anxious. Clara decides she needs to keep watch at the living room window waiting for Rose’s message, announcing she will leave her post only to feed their neighbor Mrs. Orchard’s cat, Moses. Clara was entrusted with caring for Moses when Mrs. Orchard left for the hospital, promising to return soon. It has been weeks now; Clara has been feeding the cat twice a day.

When her parents object to her plan, Clara compromises and agrees to leave her post only for school, bedtime, and taking care of Moses. From the window, Clara watches a strange man drive up to

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