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

slowly, like a drawing being erased. “Is it because of Aunt Phoebe?”

“It’s because of a lot of things. But you didn’t do anything wrong. None of this is your fault.”

Tears slipped down his cheeks. “Can I still go to Aunt Phoebe’s house?”

“No, baby. That’s not part of our life anymore.”

His sob turned sharp. “But I like the dog!”

“I know,” I whispered, pulling continue reading …