What had been missing was attention.

Later Ruth called and told us Eleanor was furious that family members were refusing to take sides publicly.

Ruth had said only that Maya needed rest and that the truth should be established through the proper process.

“Your mother says I’ve betrayed her,” Ruth admitted.

“You’re not betraying anyone by refusing to repeat accusations,” I said.

Ruth exhaled.

“I just wanted you to know there are people in this family who care about that little boy and his mother.”
When I shared the call with Maya, she said, “Tell Ruth she can come for dinner next week.”
It was the first invitation Maya had made since the hospitalization.

I wrote the date on our calendar like a celebration.