When the trial ended, Maya and Ryan were each sentenced to twelve years in a state penitentiary — grand larceny, corporate fraud, and criminal endangerment of an elder.

Oscar, who had turned state’s evidence and returned his cut of the money, received a reduced sentence of probation.

As they led Maya out of the courtroom, she turned back toward me from the aisle, her face wet, and cried out the word one last time.

“Alexander, please.

I’m your sister.”

I did not answer her.

There was no answer left in me to give.

My father sat beside me in his wheelchair.