The problem was how adults had managed access before the emergency and what would be allowed afterward.

That evening, I spoke to Mia’s mother after she asked me to call.

I stayed with facts from my own work and encouraged her to bring new messages to the investigator.

Derek was offering groceries again.

“He knows what I need,” she said.

“You can need groceries without arranging his visit.”

“I keep wanting to say sorry.”

“For what?”