The confession was not an explanation for harming a child.

Elaine didn’t present it as one.

“I saw how uncomfortable Hailey became around her,” Elaine continued.

“At Christmas, Brenda scolded her for asking about her mother.

I told myself it was hard to be a stepmother.

I should have said something.”

I remembered the moment.

I’d been in the kitchen washing dishes, pleased that everyone seemed to be getting along.