Mom and Dad had already separated once.

They were trying again, and Mom believed another baby might save the marriage.

June agreed to let Mom raise Nicole — but she set one condition: she could return within a year if she changed her mind.

Eleven months later, June came back. By then Nicole was calling Mom “Mama,” and I followed Nicole everywhere, and Mom refused to give her back.

June came again and again. Dad finally blocked the door and said Nicole belonged with us now, as if saying it firmly enough could make it true. June sent letters for years. Mom returned them unopened.

Pearl began to cry.