“What does that mean?”

“Nothing.

That’s just what Curtis says.”

I made the mistake of thinking that avoiding conflict was the same as protecting Owen.

When Dana grew defensive during one phone call, I withdrew instead of insisting on a calmer, deeper conversation.

I told myself I could watch for signs during my weekends.

In the hospital cafeteria, with a paper coffee cup cooling between my hands, I finally admitted how little watching I’d actually done.

My sister, Elaine, arrived that morning from the other side of Boise.