Nia reviewed them with me slowly.

The prior threats did not vanish because Grant had been quiet for several months.

Nor did his shortcomings mean every decision could be made without considering Owen’s eventual needs.

We kept requests documented and discussed safe, age-appropriate arrangements through proper channels.

I found that I could be firm without turning every conversation into a battle.

One evening after a long day, I told Dana I was scared of making the kind of mistake my father had made with Helen.

He had believed hiding a painful truth would protect me.