I Found Two Little Girls Hiding Inside My Empty Trash Can—Then One Whispered, “Please Don’t Send Us Back.”

to close it, but enough to shield them from view if someone looked out a window.

“Who are you hiding from?” I asked quietly.

The girl in yellow pressed one finger to her lips.

Her sister began to cry without making a sound.

I looked toward the neighboring house.

Every curtain was closed.

“Okay,” I murmured. “You don’t have to tell me yet. But you can’t stay continue reading …