The distinction was small and important.

Violet cried when Paige called her later that evening.

They did not rush into calling each other grandmother and granddaughter.

Paige asked about Rose’s favorite music, whether she hated carrots, what made her laugh.

Violet answered slowly, savoring each question.

Afterward Paige stood at the window holding the phone to her chest.

“I expected this to make me feel divided,” she said.

“But I think it makes the world a little bigger.”