should be together.”

“No.”

“Emily—”

“He said you were happier without us. We’re respecting his request.”

“He was angry.”

“He was cruel.”

Mom went quiet.

Then she whispered, “Please.”

For a second, I almost gave in.

Then Daniel entered the room with Noah on his shoulders, both of them laughing.

I remembered my son asking if Grandpa hated his father.

“No, Mom.”

I continue reading …