After she left, Silas and I ate on the porch and watched the sky clear.

I told him I was still angry about his secret.

He said he would not rush me to forgive him.

The next morning, my phone showed forty-seven messages.

Most were from Brielle’s friends, suddenly curious whether I needed company.

One was from Ruth: The board has called an emergency meeting.

Your name is on the agenda.

I put down my coffee.