“It was meant to be a dinosaur.”

“Dog dinosaur,” Sadie decided.

That settled it.

They ate while discussing whether such an animal could have wings.

I sat down with my own plate instead of remaining at the counter until everyone else’s needs were met.

Nora had warned that Simon expected me to say yes before asking what I could manage.

I could begin changing that in small ways, too.

I did not have to make every pancake perfect or prove Leo belonged by exhausting myself during each visit.