I looked toward the living room, where Lily was showing Marcus the purple points she had cut herself.

What does that mean, I said into the phone.

We are not discussing this now.

Dad.

I have to go.

And the call ended, and I stood in the hallway with the phone warm against my palm, and behind me Lily laughed because Marcus had balanced her birthday crown on top of the bag of ice.

I put the phone in my pocket.

I walked back into the room.