I learned not to interpret a changed plan as a rejection that entitled me to demand reassurance.

Penelope remained part of my life.

She continued seeing her mother, who slowly began to face the damage caused by her obsession with public achievement.

Their relationship was complicated, and I resisted the temptation to make myself the good parent by turning Cordelia into a simple villain.

Penelope loved her mother.

She also needed room to disagree with her.

Chloe and Sophie met Penelope a few more times through student events.

They never used the word sisters to describe one another, and none of us insisted they should.