If I denied the second thing in order to explain the first, I would be describing somebody less real than the man trying to return.

Maya stayed through the next feed.

Before leaving, she asked whether we could arrange another visit when Julian’s shift allowed it.

“We can check a time,” I said.

She took out her calendar.

The act was small and useful.

We did not guess, assume, or leave an invitation floating until somebody felt rejected by a plan nobody had confirmed.

After they left, I put the cups in the sink and found one of Chloe’s tiny socks beneath a chair.