The Quiet Child

Mara Bennett, a 34-year-old elementary school counselor, notices a new student who seems unusually guarded. Eli Turner rarely speaks above a whisper, avoids eye contact, and sits on the edge of his chair clutching his backpack as if he expects to be told to leave at any moment.

At first, Mara assumes Eli is simply shy. But small details begin to trouble her: unexplained bruises, extreme anxiety whenever he is late getting home, and a tendency to apologize for things that are not his fault.

Mara is determined to help him, but Eli has learned that telling the truth can be dangerous.