Over the next several days, Amanda called twice.
“Is everything ready for Christmas?” she asked.
“Yes,” I answered. “Everything is under control.”
That was true.
For once, it was under my control.
Then Robert sent a message:
We’ll drop the kids off on December 24 at ten in the morning. We’ll return on the evening of the twenty-sixth. Thanks, Mom. They’re excited.
It was not a request.
He did not ask whether I was available.
He simply announced how I would spend three days of my life.
I left the message unanswered.
On December 22, while I was packing my suitcase, the doorbell rang.
Amanda stood outside holding a bag of juice boxes, crackers, and snacks.
“I brought supplies for the children,” she said. “Martin is waiting in the car, so I can’t stay.”
“Amanda, I need to tell you something.”
She checked her watch.
“Can you make it quick?”
