I forwarded the message to Lauren and turned the phone face down.

That afternoon, Andrew found me crying as I sorted newborn clothes.

He asked what happened, and I said I was ashamed that a part of me still wanted Judith to apologize sincerely.

“Wanting an apology isn’t weakness,” he answered.

“It’s wanting someone to acknowledge the truth.”

“But what if she never does?”

“Then the truth still exists.”

I looked at Willa’s sleeping face.