Eight doctors struggle to save a dying baby—until a ragged boy points to the child’s neck and says something no one dares believe

about it. “In case they’re needed. Things are usually needed eventually.”

Richard looked at him. “How long have you been on your own?”

“I’m not — my grandfather — “

“I know.” Not unkindly. “How long?”

A pause.

“Most of it,” Leo said. “He tries. But he’s old and he’s not well and the nights near the train tracks are — ” He stopped. He had said more than continue reading …