Lena told Teresa the truth, even though a simpler story would have been easier to bear.

“I know you wanted certainty,” Lena said.

Teresa looked at the window.

“I wanted to know why I didn’t come home.”

“You know why you couldn’t,” Lena replied.

“You were seriously injured.

And now we know who took the things that would have helped identify you and contact someone.”

The distinction did not erase four days.