I thought of the blue train and the cowlick.

There could be a family resemblance without the explanation I had feared.

I had allowed one theory to fill every space because it made the secrecy comprehensible, even if it made it cruel.

Now the facts asked me to make room for something else.

I asked about Leo’s circumstances only to the extent Mrs.

Callahan could properly explain them.

Julian’s death did not, by itself, answer every question about the child’s care or the legal position of other relatives and parents.

Leo’s caseworker would address those matters through the appropriate process.