I climbed into the ambulance beside Piper.

Through the open rear doors I saw Ruiz speaking to a second officer, pointing toward the old freezer.

I also saw Dolores appear in the front doorway, looking furious rather than frightened.

I had spent years telling myself that Dolores’s sharp words were simply part of her personality.

She criticized my parenting, my work schedule, the way I folded towels, the way Piper laughed too loudly.

I had been relieved when she moved out after our divorce.