A harsh, jagged breath rattled deep in his chest.

“I am so sorry, Rachel,” he whispered into his fingers.

“I was terrified of failing at work.

I was terrified of failing with June.

It was just so much easier to let Mom step in and fix things.”

“It was easier for you,” I said.

“It was not easier for me.”

“I know,” he said, his shoulders shaking under his wool sweater.