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competed in cross-country in college and still had the slender, wiry build of a long-distance runner. When Terri walked into the family room there was a talk show on the tube. She watched her daughter from the doorway for several seconds. Terri was certain that Ashley was using the show as a narcotic and would not be able to tell her a thing about it if she quizzed her.
    Ashley’s self-imposed exile was frustrating and painful for Terri, who had raised a self-sufficient, confident young woman and now lived with an insecure young girl who had nightmares that kept her up at night and left her so exhausted that she slept away a good part of the day. She had suggested therapy, but Ashley refused to discuss the murders with anyone. Terri was having a hard time dealing with her own grief, but she did not have the luxury of withdrawing from the world. She had to take care of Ashley and earn a living.
    Ashley was dressed in sweats, and her hair was uncombed. It took all of Terri’s self-control to keep from throwing her into a cold shower. She prayed that her news would break Ashley out of her funk. She attracted her daughter’s attention by switching off the set.
    â€œI’ve got two pieces of good news,” Terri said. Ashley eyed her warily.
    â€œI just finished talking to Mr. Paggett. He’s going to let you finish your junior year without going back to school. You won’t even have to take any exams. He’ll give you the grades you’ve gotten to date. They’re pretty high so that’s okay.”
    A look of relief spread across Ashley’s face, but Terri showed no reaction. Ashley had always confronted her fears; she was strong, a born leader. That she wanted to hide in her house saddened Terri.
    â€œThere’s something else. Last week, I received a letter from the Oregon Academy. I didn’t want to discuss it with you until I’d talked to Mr. Paggett and the people at the Academy. I met with both of them today.”
    Ashley sat up. The Oregon Academy was a perennial powerhouse in girls’ high school soccer. The private school had repeated as state champion this year and was ranked nationally. Eisenhower had lost to them in the state quarterfinals, but Ashley had scored two goals.
    â€œThe Academy wants you to go to their school for your senior year,” Terri said, keeping her tone neutral so that Ashley would not see how desperate she was for Ashley to take this opportunity. “They’re offering a full scholarship. We…we don’t have much money. I told them I couldn’t afford to send you if I had to pay. But they really want you. You impressed them at States. And playing for the Academy would increase your chances of getting into a top college. The school is A-one academically,and there would be a lot more athletic scholarship offers if you played for a nationally ranked team.”
    For the first time since the tragedy, Ashley looked interested in something. Terri pressed on.
    â€œAnd it would be a new start, a change of scenery. You could even board at the school, if you want to. You’d be out of the house, on your own. It would be a little like college.”
    Terri stopped and held her breath. She knew that she would be terribly lonely if Ashley roomed at the Academy, but she was willing to make any sacrifice to help Ashley heal.
    â€œWhen…when would I start?” Ashley asked.
    â€œThe school year begins in September but they have a soccer camp there in the summer. Some of the girls help out. The person I talked to said that you might be able to do that. I think some members of the Olympic team are going to be there.”
    Ashley shifted in her seat. Terri could see that she was thinking hard.
    â€œYou don’t have to make up your mind right away. We could visit. You could see if you like the place, maybe meet some of the girls on the team. It’s only thirty minutes away,” Terri said, desperate to keep the