I didn’t ask her to explain.

A week later she told me she wanted to sleep in her own room.

We packed the quilt from Rachel’s and Pepper’s favorite blanket, and Rachel helped us carry everything inside.

That first night, Hailey asked if I would leave the hall light on.

“As long as you need,” I said.

She looked around her room, taking in the drawings and the little shelf of books.

“Can I put Mommy Claire’s picture by my bed?”