I believe you.

I am sorry I didn’t hear you before.”

Piper considered this, then put both arms around her mother’s shoulders.

I turned toward the trees and gave them that moment.

PART 23

By spring, the criminal proceedings had reached a resolution through the court process.

Dolores was held legally accountable for her conduct toward Piper under the terms entered by the court, and protective restrictions remained in place.

I did not attend every hearing.