He asked whether secrets about birthday presents were allowed.

I said those were usually different, which made him laugh.

The question I feared most came in winter.

We were hanging paper snowflakes when he asked, “If Daddy gets better, will you marry him again?” I took a moment to answer.

“I hope your father keeps making healthier choices,” I said.

“But I will not be married to him again.

We can both love you and care for you without living together.”