If Teresa needed rehabilitation near the hospital, June might rent an accessible apartment temporarily.

Eli would have a room there and his own blanket.

The house could remain theirs while they figured out repairs.

A school counselor called to arrange academic support when Eli returned to classes.

His teacher, Mrs.

Alvarez, had prepared a packet of assignments but emphasized that catching up could wait until he felt safe.

Eli had one request: “I don’t want anyone to ask me why Mommy left.”

“We can tell the class you’ve had a family emergency,” the counselor said.