A woman who had lost two children and come looking for another was exactly the kind of person who might be trying to fill a grave with a living child, and that is a burden no child should ever be made to carry — the job of healing an adult’s wound simply by existing.

“No,” I said.

It came out immediately, without my having to think.

“Are you sure?” She did not let it go.

She searched my face.

“Be honest.

With me and with yourself.”

“I don’t think anyone in this world could ever replace them,” I said.