Oh my God,” I breathed, the words a choked prayer. My first coherent thought was of Sophie. I immediately slammed the lid halfway shut, enough to obscure the view but not to cut off the air, and ran to her. She was sitting on the curb by the oak tree as I’d asked, hugging her knees, her small body trembling.

“Mommy, is the person okay?” she asked, her voice small.

“Everything is going to be okay, honey,” I lied, my voice shaking. “You were so brave. Now I need you to stay right here and not look, no matter what. Can you promise me?”

She nodded, burying her face in her knees.

I fumbled for my phone, my fingers feeling clumsy and disconnected from my brain. I stabbed at the screen and dialed 911. When the calm, professional voice of the dispatcher answered, my own voice came out as a ragged, hysterical whisper.