It needed accurate information, reliable plans, and room for each of us to become someone better than we’d been.

PART 23

After the party I found myself thinking about the phrase I’d used at the terminal: “I understand.”

I’d meant it as a challenge, a way to make Brandon look toward his parents and realize they could hear his excuses.

In that moment I still imagined someone would arrive to solve things for me.

I’d wanted a witness who could make him ashamed enough to change.

But shame isn’t a plan.