Chloe stopped abruptly. The lollipop dropped to the sidewalk, melting into a red stain on the concrete. Alarmed, I bent down and asked, “Chloe, what is it, sweetie? What’s wrong?” But she didn’t answer. Her big eyes were wide open, staring fixedly at an invisible spot behind me. Her face went pale, her lips pressed tight, and before I could understand what was happening, she squeezed my hand hard, her little nails digging into my skin.

“Grandma, fast!” Her voice trembled, almost pleading.