That was a relief and a loss at the same time.

I’d wanted the facts to be enough to make him apologize instantly.

I was beginning to understand that facts could change what officials did without changing what a parent was willing to admit.

Two days later Dad sent Colleen a message demanding that I return home by Friday.

He said the whole situation had been exaggerated.

He wanted me back for appearances and because “the family should handle its own business.”

Colleen read it aloud only after asking whether I wanted to hear it.