Ruth’s head came up.

I felt my pulse begin to race, but my voice stayed even.

“Mom gets to decide that.”

He crossed the room and positioned himself between us and the entryway.

For a moment, I wondered whether he’d physically stop her.

I did not advance.

I moved closer to the kitchen doorway so she could see me, not him.

“Ruth,” I said, “would you like to go someplace quiet?”