Terrified.

Christopher had been too sick to come.

Denise explained the basics.

Sadie’s mother, Theresa, had died two years earlier.

Clara Higgins had informal caregiving arrangements that later became court-recognized guardianship.

Clara’s stroke made continued care uncertain.

Christopher had come forward months earlier as an adult relative willing to help financially, but because of his illness, he could not realistically become Sadie’s guardian.

Denise looked at me.