“I packed it by accident,” I said.

“I was hoping you’d come claim it.”

She giggled.

That small sound broke my heart open in the best possible way.

I later called Colin and asked whether both children could visit for an afternoon.

He agreed, but Jessica sent a lengthy message setting conditions.

I was not to discuss the ownership of the house, the lottery, their finances, or the senior living brochure.

I responded with one sentence: I won’t use the children to settle adult disagreements, and I expect the same from everyone.