I wrote a reply, then tore it up.

I did not know enough about his family to ask forgiveness in a way that would not become another demand.

Instead, I gave the letter to Celeste and asked how victims could make claims through established restitution procedures.

Paige listened when I explained.

“She would approve of that,” she said, meaning our mother.

“Would Hannah?”

My sister gave me a sad look.

“It’s still not about earning her approval.”