Instead, I made my face go neutral, and I even made myself smile.

“He gets confused very easily these days,” I said, lightly.

Evelyn’s warmth returned at once.

“Of course he does, Lucas.

That’s completely understandable.” She bent slightly toward the hallway.

“Hello there, sweetheart,” she said, in a soft, coaxing voice.

My son took a fast step backward.

She stopped.