Caroline recognized a familiar pattern: one child trying to reclaim ordinary independence, the other frightened that relaxing her vigilance might cause disaster.

“It’s all right to want space,” Caroline told Violet.

“And it’s all right that Nora worries.

You can both learn something new.”

Violet swung for another minute and then asked Nora to push her once.

Nora grinned and gave her a gentle shove.