She has everything under control.”
The memory burned worse than any accusation.

“You did tell me,” I said.

“I didn’t understand, and then I didn’t ask enough questions.

I’m sorry.”
She watched my face for a long moment.

“Please don’t turn this into a fight where everybody blames me for starting it.”
“I won’t.

We’ll make decisions together.

If you want a report, we’ll make one.

If you need space first, we’ll give you space.”
When the social worker arrived, I asked if Maya would prefer speaking alone.