I need to speak with our guest.” “Yes, Mom,” they said in unison, gathering their books, and before the door closed Hugo’s dark eyes met mine for a second — not a glare, an assessment — and then it clicked shut.

I collapsed into the chair.

Coraline sat across from me and slid a steaming mug of tea over the table.

“I’m assuming you didn’t drive across state lines to stare at the boys,” she said, wrapping her hands around her own mug.

“Coraline, I’m sorry.” The words burst out, desperate.

“Thirteen years ago I was wrong.

I was a coward and a fool.” A faint, almost sad smile touched her lips.

“You don’t need to apologize to me, Roderick.