Her apartment smelled of cinnamon and clean laundry.

She spread a blanket across the living room rug, and while the girls kicked their feet, I finally told her everything.

Tessa listened without interruption.

Then she asked, “What did you mean when you told him to look right?”

“His parents were there.

I thought they’d see what he’d done and stand up for us.”

“Did they?”

“His dad looked ashamed.