That’s not the same thing as pretending she’s never been hurt.”

They ate in companionable silence.

Across the yard, Sophie organized a game with rules no adult could understand.

“Thomas loved stars,” June said unexpectedly.

“He could name constellations, although I’m not certain he was always right.

Elena would tease him for inventing them.”

Vincent glanced at the star-chart book.

“I didn’t know that.”