Across the room, by the window, sat a large bald man with tattooed arms. Across from him was a little girl, no more than six, dressed in denim overalls and bright pink shoes. The contrast between them couldn’t have been sharper — he looked rough and intimidating, while she looked small, fragile, and far too silent.

The man spoke in a low voice. The girl didn’t answer. Her tiny hands twisted together on the tabletop, and her eyes stayed fixed on the plate in front of her.