I had finally learned to hold them at once.

Chapter 36 — A Place at the Table

On the grass, Elodie patted my cheek.

“Daddy, what are you looking at?” “Nothing, sweetie,” I smiled, kissing her nose.

“I’m looking right at you.” I didn’t tell her that her grandmother was at the fence.

The psychologist had been clear: any reconciliation would happen only if and when Elodie felt safe enough to ask for it — not when an adult needed to relieve their own guilt.