There were hearings and documents and setbacks.

Some of Curtis’s business debts complicated the division of assets; others turned out to belong solely to his company.

We worked from verified records rather than the stories either of us wished were true.

At one mediation session, Curtis asked whether we could “put the whole hospital thing behind us.”

I looked across the table and saw a man who wanted forgiveness to function like an eraser.

“Sadie still has follow-up appointments,” I said.