When Chloe was old enough to ask for more detail, I told her what I could without handing her the job of judging her mother.

When one sister wanted to talk and another did not, I tried to let those answers coexist.

I made mistakes.

Once, I spoke too sharply when Evelyn asked why I still sent things.

I was exhausted and heard criticism where she was trying to understand.

I apologized the next morning.

“I’m not angry because you asked,” I told her.

“I was tired.