I felt the sharp edge of a fear I had tried to keep from her.

That night, Warren called again.

He did not offer a toy or a grand outing.

He listened while June explained why she was angry.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“You can be angry.

I will still be here when you’re ready to talk again.”

When he arrived the following Saturday, she handed him a list headed RULES FOR BUILDING A BRIDGE.