I told her I wanted an ordinary Wednesday.

We went to the park after work, and Noah raced his scooter down the path while I watched from a bench.

When he turned back to make sure I was there, I waved.

He did not look worried.

He looked happy.

PART 25

My own mother lived three hours away and had been recovering from surgery when Julian filed.

I had not told her the whole story at first.