“Remember,” I said quietly, “let me handle the explaining, okay?”

She nodded solemnly, our conspiracy of two still intact.

I heard the rattle of keys, then confused murmuring as Rebecca discovered her key no longer worked.

The doorbell rang, followed by impatient knocking.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door.

“Mom, why is there a new lock?” Rebecca stood on the porch, travel-weary but perfectly put together as always.