We paint together, the girl and me. I have never before painted with a human, except for when I was taught to paint by Bill.
This feels nice: standing side by side with Lily. I think that perhaps we are becoming friends. Perhaps she is starting to be not so afraid.
But then I feel her shiver. It is Mike. He is in the yard next door. Mike sends knives with his eyes.
I am not worried. I have Lily by my side. And we have promised, we have sworn, to do everything we can to protect each other.
This is what friends do.