Tessa woke frightened by the loud pops, and we sat together on the floor beside her bed until she fell asleep again.

When we came out, Brian asked, “Do you still trust me?”

I took my time answering.

“I trust that you love Tessa,” I said.

“I’m not sure I trust you to notice danger when it comes from your father.”

He didn’t defend himself.

“Then I have to earn that back.”

“Yes,” I said.