That’s exactly his problem — he’s used to you running to him every time he makes a fuss.”

Mira’s crying got louder, and she wrapped her thin arms around herself.

“Mom—”

Sondra turned on her with a look that could strip paint.

“Be quiet, Mira.”

I will not set down here everything my sister-in-law had done, because the how of it is not what this account is for, and it belongs in a sealed evidence file and a courtroom, not on this page.