"I can only imagine," she said softly, making sure she sounded as earnest and supportive as she felt. Ellie had always had a gift for being an ear, and she felt that if she had to stay in New York among the Different, maybe it was because that ear might be needed.

"These ... bleedy things. Are they things you're afraid could hurt people? If they are, and you need someone you can talk to if it gets bad ... I - well, I used to be police in my memories. I might be able to help."