She knows that.

But a criminal record will follow her for the rest of her life.”

“She threw a heavy iron skillet at a four-year-old child,” I said, pronouncing every syllable distinctly.

“She hit Emma.”

My father picked his glasses up again and held them to the light to check for smudges.

“I’ve kept a leather ledger in my study desk for thirty-five years, Rachel.

I know exactly what every kitchen remodel, every tuition payment, and every doctor bill has cost this family.