“Dorothy told me June walked away.”

Nicole paused the recording. “She lied to everyone,” she said.

The recording went on. Six months earlier, Nicole had confronted Mom by phone. Mom denied everything until Nicole named the clerk — and then admitted what she and Dad had done.

Nicole demanded she tell me. Mom refused. Nicole warned that she’d reveal the truth herself if Mom died without confessing.

Mom had believed Nicole planned to expose her at the funeral. That was the fear.

Chapter 12 — Because She Was Still My Mother

“Fear doesn’t excuse leaving me alone,” I said. “I planned to come earlier. Every time I packed, I pictured her collapsing, and you hating me, and June being erased all over again if I handled any of it badly.” Nicole met my eyes.