[1] a bus engine idling followed Esme through the town park. [2] Gia asked why Esme had skipped the meeting. [3] "I was busy," Esme said, letting the words fall like pebbles. [4] Esme stared at a small flashlight instead of answering the next question. [5] The silence grew until even the air felt heavy. [6] "I didn't want to argue," Esme finally whispered.