His hands did not shake.

“No, Mom,” Ethan said.

“June is resting, and Rachel and I are sitting down to dinner in ten minutes.”

“I can just leave them on the back porch,” Sylvia said.

Her voice dropped into that rapid, unyielding rhythm she used when she left no room for discussion.

“I haven’t seen my granddaughter in a week, Ethan.”

“We will call you on Sunday afternoon if we are free for a short visit,” Ethan said.

“Do not drive over tonight.”