He asked whether the baby would visit soon, and I promised she would whenever Chloe and Iris were ready.
I did not tell him that his favorite uncle had refused to bring her home, because children deserve explanations that won't burden them.
That night, Noah found me crying over a photograph of Sadie and asked whether the girl was someone he should know.
I told him she was family, and that some adults had made serious mistakes we were trying to put right.
He considered that for a moment before asking whether grown-ups could still apologize after waiting too long.
I hugged him and said an apology could begin at any time, but it needed honest actions afterward to mean something.
On Saturday, Mara invited me to her house for tea, provided I understood that Sadie might decide not to come downstairs.
Chloe offered to accompany me, but I chose to go alone so the child wouldn't feel surrounded by strangers seeking forgiveness.
