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

child to keep secrets, and undermining parenting decisions.”

Diana read in silence for several minutes. The hum of the air conditioning was the loudest sound in the room.

“Mr. Callaway,” Diana said finally. “Did you instruct your son not to tell his mother about Ms. Brennan?”

“I didn’t instruct him,” Ethan said quickly. “I just said it was our special continue reading …