“It adds a timeline,” she said.

“That’s all for now.”

I was surprised by how grateful I felt for her caution.

Every exaggerated accusation would give Harold another reason to call us irrational.

Natalie also confirmed that Harold had told her the week before Christmas that I had to be “taught not to interfere with family decisions.”

The phrase made my stomach turn.

For years I’d dismissed Harold’s comments as old-fashioned bullying.

I’d pictured the worst possible consequence as a ruined holiday, a family argument, a canceled visit.