We sat without speaking while sunlight moved through the branches.

I thought of the promise I’d made to Laura long ago and how badly I’d misunderstood what it required.

Keeping Emma safe wasn’t something I could accomplish with seven transfers, or one discovery, or one courtroom decision.

It was a commitment renewed on ordinary days, in a home where she could ask questions without fear.

When the ice cream was finished, we walked back toward my truck.

Emma stopped beside the parking lot and looked over her shoulder at the oak tree.