But Hannah needs to understand that your wife cannot spend her life competing with a dead woman’s daughter.” Hannah flinched.

And I stepped directly between the two of them.

“My daughter is not competing with anybody,” I said, and the cold in my own voice surprised me.

“She competes every day whether you recognize it or not,” Pamela snapped.

“She watches every decision you make and makes you feel guilty whenever you prioritize me.” “She is nine years old, Pamela.” “Nine is old enough to understand that families change.”

Chapter 7 — The Drawer and the Bedroom