Her voice had a sweet, rehearsed rhythm.

It was the exact tone she used when guests came over for dinner and Allison played the piano.

“The state took custody,” I said.

“Public funding is paying for my medicine.”

“We know all about the state,” Richard said.

He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest.

He moved the thick envelope to his other hand.

“The social worker said we have a meeting tomorrow morning,” Linda said.