When I told him Elaine would drive me home, he accepted it without argument.
That evening, Frank sent me a candid photograph he’d taken.
I was standing in my green dress while Elaine held my coat open behind me.
I saved it separately from the professional pictures.
It became one of my favorites.
The next afternoon, Nick called.
“Anna, would you feel comfortable if I came home tonight?”
I sat beside the nursery window.
He had repaid the money.
He’d attended counseling.
He’d disclosed the credit card.
He’d corrected his mistake with Marcia.
I appreciated those things.
But I couldn’t let him return simply because I wanted our family to look normal again.
“Not yet,” I answered.
There was a long pause.
Then he said, “Okay. I’ll stay with Mom and Dad.”
For several minutes after the call, I expected an angry message.
It never came.
