I wished I could go back to every holiday when Chloe had looked uncomfortable and I had assumed she was tired.

I recalled Gwen introducing Paisley and Harper as her treasures while describing Chloe as “Lucas’s little project.” I had corrected her once, weakly, in front of guests.

Then I had moved the conversation along to avoid conflict.

I had thought I was keeping the peace.

Chloe had seen me fail to defend her fully.

The next morning I called a child psychologist named Dr.

Amara Lewis, recommended by Helen Mercer.