He asked where Harper was.

I said she was spending time with my mother because she’d had a difficult day.

It was true as far as it went.

He grumbled about my mother spoiling her and asked what was for dinner.

I heard myself tell him there were leftovers in the refrigerator.

He said, “Good,” as if that settled the matter.

After the call, I stood still long enough for the refrigerator motor to click on.

His lack of concern had become familiar, but hearing it now was almost unbearable.