I am sorry I told you your son was dead as if that meant you had stopped being his mother.

That line broke me.

I did not write back immediately.

Months later, I sent one sentence.

I believe you loved him, and I believe you hurt him. Both are true.

Nothing more.

PART 49 — MY SON’S WATCH

Leo’s watch was returned through the estate.

The one Chloe had worn in the pool photograph.

I placed it in a drawer.