“You don’t have to tell the story again right now.”

The doctor did not press.

She offered a child-life specialist and said the hospital could coordinate with an investigator trained to interview children, so Tessa would not be repeatedly questioned by every anxious adult.

When we were alone again, Tessa whispered, “Grandpa said you make trouble for people.

He said if I tell you things, Daddy gets sad.”

Brian had been standing just outside the room.

I hadn’t noticed him come in.