It was better.

It was a promise small enough to keep.

PART 23

The Name on the Form

That autumn, I sat at a school office desk reviewing emergency-contact forms.

For eight years the answer had been simple: my number, Aunt Ruth’s number, and Brenda’s number.

Now the form asked whether another parent or guardian should be listed for notifications.

I checked our legal arrangement and spoke to the school administrator about what information and permissions were appropriate.