She asked Rachel how the hearing had gone, and my wife explained enough without bringing our son into the details.

Joanne listened.

Then she washed the dishes while I put Lucas to bed.

It was the first evening in months when I could look at her and see my mother-in-law instead of the mother of the accused.

Before she left, Joanne took Rachel’s hands and said, “I’m proud of how you spoke.” Rachel’s expression softened.

“I’m glad you came,” she replied.

That did not fix the family.