“We are still your family.”

I did not answer.

I noticed two women from the altar guild pass without greeting her.

I also noticed that watching it did not make me feel restored.

I did not need every person in Oakhaven to turn away from her before I could keep my own distance.

Her attorney called her over from farther down the hall.

She went without another word to me.

At the plea proceeding, Judge Higgins sat above the tables with the case file in front of him.