A husband could say his wife was confused, that her mother overreacted, that a private room elsewhere would be better for everyone.

I had heard him explain smaller things with that same reasonable voice.

At their wedding, Julian had spoken warmly about caring for Hannah.

He had stood beside me afterward and thanked me for raising “such a sweet girl.” He had been attentive, smiling, easy with the guests.

I wanted to remember that day as a lie from beginning to end.

It would have made the next three years easier to explain.