“I thought you’d be annoyed we had to leave dinner.”
“I’m annoyed that you ever had a reason to think that.”
She reached across the center console and touched my sleeve.

It was not forgiveness for every mistake.

It was trust beginning to reappear.

At home, Angela had warmed milk for Liam’s scheduled feeding and left us a note explaining what she had done.

I realized how easily support could be documented without controlling the person receiving it.

My company offered me the choice of returning part-time or taking additional leave.

I chose a phased return with remote responsibilities and no international travel for the moment.