The two photographs showed different chapters in the same relationship.

One came from a period when she had mistaken being indispensable for being secure.

The other came from a time when everyone involved was learning that affection could not justify control.

At the library the next day, Theo, the boy who had once refused to draw, brought her a picture of a house filled with brightly colored windows.

He explained that every room belonged to someone who had helped him: his aunt, his teacher, the bus driver who waited when he was late, and Clara.

“Why did you include me?” she asked.