Generosity without boundaries isn’t love. It’s hostage-taking.

I thought the shock of the truth would breed lasting silence. I thought they’d reflect, adapt, and eventually come to me with the respect I had violently demanded.

I was wrong.

A month after the barbecue I was at my kitchen island helping Leo with algebra when my phone buzzed. Chloe. I debated letting it go to voicemail, but she called again immediately.

Then a third time.

I answered. “Chloe.”