PART 8 — Chloe Knows One Piece of the Story

Kenneth’s younger sister, Chloe, invited me to lunch when she heard I had been staying with Laura.

We had never been especially close, but we had always been kind to each other.

She worked long hours at a veterinary clinic and had an easy way with people who were frightened or embarrassed.

I had often envied that gift.

We met at a quiet café where the tables stood far enough apart that conversation felt private.

She arrived with a worried expression and immediately apologized for her mother’s behavior.