‘Because people sometimes think money tells them everything about another person.

It doesn’t.’

Naomi sat beside them and explained that families come together in many different ways.

Some parents live together, others live apart, and the grown-ups’ finances have nothing to do with a child’s worth.

The boys listened, not wholly reassured, but calmer.

The next afternoon Naomi asked the school counselor for help addressing the remarks without embarrassing either child.

Preston attended at her invitation.