“This came for you,” she said.

“It’s got the courthouse seal on it.”

I took it and slit the flap with my thumb.

The letter was a single page.

It said the custody order was final. Lily tugged at my sleeve.

“Mama, push.” I laid the letter on the picnic table and pushed her again, more gently.

The wooden swing drifted back and forth in the warm autumn afternoon breeze.