When I asked why the door was so bright, she said, “So people know where they’re welcome.” I sat beside her and painted a path leading toward it.

PART 11

Gwen tried a different approach.

She sent flowers addressed to Chloe, followed by a basket of expensive toys and a note saying Christmas had been misunderstood.

Sandra advised me to keep the messages but not to put them in front of Chloe.

A gift could not undo a threat, and I did not want a six-year-old to feel obligated to forgive a grown woman because a stuffed bear arrived by courier.

Brooke called to say Gwen had told everyone she was ill with worry.