“So do I,” I answered.

“But understanding now still matters.”

We parted without discussing whether things might have been different.

The present already required enough honesty.

PART 24: The Hardest Telephone Call

Before the trust settlement was complete, Caroline asked Nathaniel to call Malcolm about a family medical appointment.

Malcolm had become withdrawn and refused to discuss anything that made him look dependent.

Nathaniel debated ignoring the request, worried that his father would use a genuine need as another opportunity to control him.