I had not been around Claire’s family since that Christmas Eve, and I didn’t want to stand on another porch wondering whether the door would open.

Daniel must have heard the hesitation in my silence.

“Mom,” he said, “you won’t be left outside.

I promise.”

I didn’t answer immediately.

Promises had become difficult for me.

Eventually I said I would come for an hour and see how I felt.

Ruth offered to drive with me and wait nearby, but I decided I could manage.