And don’t ask her to make anybody feel better about what happened.”

Elaine nodded.

As I drove away, I felt no pleasure in seeing her grief.

I could recognize that Brenda had people who loved her without letting that love excuse her actions.

I could feel sorry for Elaine and still keep my daughter far away.

Those distinctions were becoming a kind of strength.

PART 18

By early winter, Hailey’s wound had healed, leaving a faint mark near her eyebrow.