When My Child Mentioned “Aunt Phoebe,” Everything Fell Apart

she keeps for him. The cartoons they watch together. He said you told him her couch is nicer than ours.”

Ethan’s face went pale. “He’s exaggerating.”

“He’s six. He doesn’t exaggerate your tone. He repeats it.”

“It’s completely innocent,” he insisted. “She’s been going through a hard time. Divorce stuff. I’ve been helping her—”

“Does she put her hand on continue reading …